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Labor's $1M investment for Drouin Recreation Reserve upgrades will deliver new home ground advantage for the Hawks

Drouin Recreation Reserve $1 million upgrade delivers a new home ground for Hawks, boosting footy, cricket, community events, and local sport, supported by the Allan Labor government and Baw Baw Shire Council.

By news@gippsland - 25th August 2025 - Back to News

Drouin Hawks footy and cricket fans can look forward to a new home ground advantage in these finals and beyond, thanks to the transformed Drouin Recreation Reserve oval, backed by the Allan Labor government.

Victoria's $2.4 billion sports infrastructure investment, including $20 million in 2025/26, supports 67 projects, boosting community participation through high-quality sporting facilities across regional communities

Drouin oval upgrades

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today joined representatives from Baw Baw Shire Council and home side the Drouin Hawks Football Netball Club to officially open the oval upgrades before their clash against local rivals Warragul Gulls Football and Netball Club.

The project was made possible by a $1 million investment from Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund. Drouin Recreation Reserve is a major sport and recreation hub and a hive of activity all year round, supporting more than 300 footballers, from junior to senior players.

Recent works included resurfacing of the oval and installation of new drainage and irrigation systems to improve the oval's surface. The oval features new natural drought-resistant turf, seating, player shelters, perimeter footpath, and fencing.

Upgrades benefit community

The upgrades are a boon for local sport and open the oval to more training and games, allowing local footy and cricket to get even more people involved in events staged at the reserve. Benefits from the upgrades also extend to the wider community, who will have more time to get together with friends and family to use the oval for casual sport and play, or for community events such as the annual Drouin Ficifolia Festival.

The Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund is supported by the Regional Community Sport Development Fund and the All Abilities Sport Fund and is a game-changer for regional Victoria with 67 infrastructure projects and eight participation initiatives supported across both rounds. It's part of more than $2.4 billion invested by the Victorian government in community sports infrastructure since 2014.

Boosting sports infrastructure

The Victorian Budget 2025/26 is also kicking in $20 million to continue providing new and improved community sports infrastructure through initiatives like the statewide Local Sports Infrastructure Fund. From oval reconstructions to pavilion upgrades, investments like these provide high-quality and accessible places for Victorians to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation participation.

Harriet Shing MP acknowledged Baw Baw Shire Council for its more than $2.3 million financial contribution and commitment to delivering the upgrades. For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available, visit Sport and Recreation Victoria website.

Community sport investment

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "We've invested in a range of new and upgraded sporting and community facilities across West Gippsland and it was a pleasure to advocate for a better, more useable, and accessible oval for Drouin - one that can be used and enjoyed for even more training and competition, year-round.

"Better sport and recreation facilities like these bring the community together in all sorts of positive ways - helping families, players, volunteers and spectators to get involved and get active," said Ms Shing.

Pictures from Baw Baw shire Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com