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Drouin Hawks celebrate return to redeveloped $3.3M recreation reserve oval backed by Victorian government funding

The community celebrated the Drouin Hawks' return to their $3.3 million redeveloped oval, featuring new turf, drainage, seating, and facilities, funded by Baw Baw Shire Council and the Victorian government.

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

The local community turned out to celebrate the Drouin Hawks' return to their home ground at the Drouin Recreation Reserve on Saturday following the completion of the oval's major redevelopment. The $3.3 million dollar redevelopment included a $1 million dollar funding contribution by the Victorian government's Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.

Central Ward Cr Paul Pratt, West Ward Cr Ben Lucas, Drouin FC life member David Olsen, Harriet Shing MP, Mayor Cr Danny Goss, West Ward Cr Jess Hamilton, Drouin FC Club President Luke Gilbert and Drouin FC Club Secretary Rebecca Virtue

Drouin oval resurfaced

The contract for the resurfacing project was awarded to Evergreen Turf Group Pty Ltd at a council meeting in August 2024. The oval at the reserve has been completely resurfaced with the recently completed works including the installation of new drainage and irrigation systems to improve the oval's surface.

The new natural turf playing surface at Drouin will eliminate past issues regarding drainage and water retention and the redevelopment also includes new and improved seating, player shelters, perimeter footpath, and fencing.

Community partnership success

Baw Baw Shire Council Mayor Councillor Danny Goss said he was proud to see the oval reopen to the local community. "There is no question that our local sporting clubs and sporting grounds are very important to our community."

"This oval resurfacing project has been an important priority for Baw Baw Shire Council. The installation of new drainage and irrigation systems will improve the oval's surface and player experience now and into the future."

"This is another example of what can be achieved for our community when a council and the Victorian government work in partnership to fund and deliver essential outcomes, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with the Victorian government to deliver many more outcomes for our community," Cr Goss said.

Investing in the community

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing MP, spoke at the opening on Saturday, visiting the oval again after announcing funding for the project at the Drouin Recreation Reserve in July 2024. "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 usable, 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.

Harriet Shing MP and Mayor Cr Danny Goss officially opening the oval redevelopment

Showcasing Drouin Reserve

Official proceedings were followed by a coin toss and Drouin Football Club and Warragul Football Club players then took to the ground for their final Home and Away Seniors Football match at Drouin Recreation Reserve for the 2025 Winter Season.

Drouin Football Club President, Luke Gilbert says the upgraded rec reserve will provide the club and the community with a facility to be proud of. "For many years, the surface has not held up in mid-winter months. It has consistently led to alternate training arrangements and a lack of opportunity to hold a final and bring that foot traffic into the Drouin township."

"We are grateful for all parties involved, specifically the Baw Baw Shire Council, state government and our wonderful sponsors who stayed on board with us despite our decanting. We look forward to showcasing this arena for years to come," said Mr Gilbert. For more information on this and other major projects across the Shire, visit the Major Projects page on Baw Baw Shire Council's website.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  The Nationals have criticised the Victorian government after environmental studies and cultural heritage approvals were blamed for fresh delays to long-promised traffic lights at Traralgon Bank Street intersection, despite years of funding.
• Moe Inline Hockey Championships secure five-year council funding, expected to boost $15M into local economy through visitor spending
  Latrobe City Council will provide $100,000 over five years to support Moe’s Australian Inline Hockey Club Championships, expected to generate $15 million locally through visitor spending and accommodation.
• East Gippsland Councillors take council in community program to Twin Rivers district for local engagement on 29 September 2026
  East Gippsland Councillors will visit Bruthen, Johnsonville and Metung on September 29, meeting residents and businesses to discuss local priorities, challenges and opportunities through Council’s community engagement program.
• Morwell International Rose Garden Festival unveils exciting 2026 program ahead of November celebration
  Morwell’s free International Rose Garden Festival returns November 6–7, featuring entertainment, workshops, markets, children’s activities and spectacular Night Lights, celebrating the region’s iconic gardens with more than 4,000 roses.
• Visa delays threaten regional harvest workforce as farmers and tourism employers demand urgent federal government action before summer
  Farmers, tourism operators and regional employers warn visa delays could cause critical workforce shortages during summer harvest and tourism periods, urging the Federal government to restore timely visa processing.
• Gippsland Water offers face-to-face bill support through September pop-ups across Morwell, Sale, Traralgon and Drouin
  Gippsland Water will host September pop-ups across the region, offering customers face-to-face help with bills, payment plans, concessions and government assistance amid cost-of-living pressures, with events in Morwell, Sale, Traralgon and Drouin.
• Baw Baw Shire Council Annual Report highlights major achievements, $23.9M road investment and community improvements in 2025-26
  Baw Baw Shire Council’s 2025-26 Annual Report highlights facility upgrades, more than $400,000 in community grants, a new emergency dashboard and $23.9 million invested in road improvements.
• Nationals and Liberals pledge 10 new technical colleges, delivering hands-on training for 5,000 Victorian students
  The Nationals and Liberals plan 10 new Technical Colleges across Victoria, providing 5,000 secondary students with hands-on vocational training and pathways into in-demand careers, including a new college in Gippsland.
• South Gippsland Council awards $122,959 to support 20 community organisations, local projects and other updates on council programs
  South Gippsland Council has awarded $122,959 to 20 groups, while promoting local projects, bridge repairs, weed management, hard waste collections and community programs.
• Bass Coast Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights major projects, community achievements and strong financial performance across the region
  Bass Coast Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights major projects, community events, environmental initiatives and financial achievements, including new trails, bike facilities and more than 369,000 native plants.
• Sale coffee cup campaign spreads strong community message against domestic and family violence across local businesses
  Sale's Rotary Club has launched a coffee cup awareness campaign against domestic and family violence, with MPs Darren Chester and Danny O'Brien urging businesses and residents to support the initiative.
• Latrobe City Council ranks among Victoria's Top Five for Community Satisfaction in 2026 Snap Send Solve index
  Latrobe City Council has ranked fifth in Victoria for community satisfaction, scoring 64.6 in the 2026 Snap Send Solve Index, exceeding both national and Victorian averages.
• Wellington Shire Council opposes mandatory fourth glass recycling bin, urging Victoria to allow council flexibility instead
  Wellington Shire Council has again urged the Victorian government to scrap mandatory household glass bins, citing costs, practicality and existing Container Deposit Scheme success while seeking greater flexibility for regional councils.