Council officially opens upgraded Wanganui Oval, boosting local sport opportunities

The $432,000 project, delivered in partnership with AFL Victoria, has provided new 100 lux sports lighting and a modern irrigation system, transforming the oval into a high-quality training facility for local football clubs.

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the upgrade demonstrates Council’s commitment to supporting participation in sport and creating inclusive, accessible community spaces.

“This investment ensures Wanganui Oval can support the continued growth of football in our region, particularly for junior players and women and girls. It’s about providing opportunities, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and strengthening our community connections through sport,” he said.

The project was supported by AFL Victoria through its Breaking New Ground funding program, which aims to increase access to quality Australian Rules Football facilities by partnering with local governments and enabling shared use of existing spaces. The upgraded oval will serve as an overflow training venue for Goulburn Valley League clubs, including Shepparton United Football Netball Club and Shepparton Football Netball Club, helping ease demand on existing ovals across the municipality.

“This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through partnerships. Council and AFL Victoria have worked together to deliver a facility that will benefit our community for many years to come,” Cr Sali said.

The upgrade reflects the priorities outlined in Council’s Shepparton Sports City Master Plan Update 2022, which identified the strategic importance of securing community access to high-quality sporting facilities in central locations. Access to the oval has been made possible through a long-term Community Joint Use Agreement with the Department of Education, enabling the former Wanganui Secondary College site to be repurposed for community use.

With the project completed earlier this year, local junior and women’s teams have already benefited from having a dedicated training base.

Cr Steven Threlfall, McEwen Ward representative, said the upgraded facility will play an important role in supporting the region’s growing sporting community.

“Wanganui Oval is now a valuable addition to our sporting network, supporting participation, development pathways and the future of football in Greater Shepparton,” he said.

Council thanked AFL Victoria, project partners, and local clubs for their support in delivering the upgrade.