SHEPPARTON’S Wanganui Oval is set for a $432,000 transformation, bringing much-needed football facilities to the community. Announced as part of the AFL’s ‘Breaking New Ground’ program, the redevelopment will include upgraded irrigation and 100 lux lighting to cater to growing demand in local football.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali emphasised the benefits of the project. “The new lighting and irrigation system will bring significant benefits to our region and its passionate sporting community,” Sali said. “It’s not only growth but it’s taking a bit of pressure off existing facilities. As it was noted, Deakin Reserve is heavily utilised obviously during winter and it gets a lot of pressure on it.”
The AFL has pledged $200,000 towards the works, with the remaining $232,000 funded by the Greater Shepparton City Council. The oval, once part of the former Wanganui Park Secondary College site, will alleviate pressure on Deakin Reserve and serve as a training and match venue for the Shepparton United and Shepparton Bears football clubs.
The redevelopment comes in response to increasing participation, particularly in junior and girls’ football, and aligns with the AFL’s ‘Australian Football Infrastructure Plan: Towards 2030’, which aims to develop one new or upgraded oval every week across the country.
AFL Victoria’s venue and government partnerships manager Jessie Doull celebrated the project’s impact on the local community.
“Community football is the foundation of the game and the heartbeat of so many towns and communities across Victoria, so it’s important that participants have access to welcoming, inclusive and modern facilities,” Doull said.
While there is no exact timeline, works are expected to get underway early in 2025 to be completed in time for the 2025 football season.
