Game on: New netball courts at Gilbert Gordon Oval

Last updated on 16 June 2025

Two new netball courts at Gilbert Gordon Oval in Woodend have recently been completed, providing expanded and enhanced facilities for user groups and the community.

Council’s Mayor Dom Bonanno, State Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas MP and user group representatives were among those at the venue on Saturday to officially open the new courts, amid Woodend Hesket Football Netball Club’s home games against Melton South.

This significant upgrade replaced an existing single, deteriorating court located in the north-west corner of the reserve, with the new courts’ location carefully chosen after thorough planning including a Cultural Heritage Management Plan approved in December 2024.

While this important due diligence extended the project’s original timeline, with cultural sensitivities near the significant waterway of File Mile Creek, it ensured the development was carried out in a culturally responsible and respectful manner.

Construction commenced in January 2025, with concrete and acrylic surfacing finalised in April. Supporting infrastructure – including player shelters, court lighting, fencing and pedestrian pathways – was also delivered as part of the upgrade. Further work will now continue to tie out the project, including removing the former netball court, contributing to a more functional and user-friendly reserve.

Mayor Bonanno said the upgrade aligned with strategic directions in the 2023-endorsed Gilbert Gordon Oval Master Plan, which identified the need for improved netball facilities to meet current and future demands, particularly for the multiple Woodend-based senior and junior netball teams.

“We’ve celebrated the completion of some really valuable sporting upgrades recently across the shire, and this netball upgrade is just another great example of what can be achieved when Council, the community and the Victorian Government work together,” he said.

“The new courts are a much-needed improvement and will support local sport in Woodend for years to come. We’re proud to invest in facilities like this that create healthier, more active communities.”

The $1.39 million project was made possible through funding from the Victorian Government’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund ($985,710); a Council contribution ($310,000), an in-kind contribution from court designers 2MH Consulting ($40,000); and other contributions from the Woodend Hesket Football Netball Club and Woodend Junior Football Netball Club (totalling $55,500).