TOWONG SHIRE COUNCIL TO DELIVER NEW $3 MILLION SPORTS PAVILION FOR BETHANGA
Towong Shire Council is pleased to announce that a new Sports Pavilion will be built at the Bethanga Recreation Reserve. Council has committed a significant $2 million to the $3 million project - the most Council has ever committed to a community facility project - demonstrating just how important the project is for Bethanga and neighbouring communities.
The Victorian State Government will contribute $1 million to the project and local community groups including the Bethanga Cricket Club, Bethanga Tennis Club, Gymkhana Committee, and SR5000 Committee are also contributing financially to help make the project a reality.
Bethanga Recreation Reserve has the only full-sized sports oval serving the townships of Bethanga, Bellbridge, Talgarno, and Granya. It is home to the Bethanga Cricket Club and Bethanga Tennis Club and is regularly used for active recreation and community events such as the Easter Gymkhana and SR500 rally.
Towong Shire Council Mayor Andrew Whitehead said the long overdue inter-generational project will deliver a major new asset for not only the Bethanga community but the many other neighbouring communities for many years to come.
“The new Bethanga Sports Pavilion will deliver fully accessible and modern changerooms and amenities for players, officials, volunteers and spectators. It will also provide a multi-functional and inclusive space for sport and active recreation, support growth in junior and senior sport, and provide considerable opportunities for increased use by other sporting codes including football and netball.
“Bethanga is the last major township in Towong Shire to receive a significant upgrade to its recreation reserve. We thank the community for waiting patiently and are confident the new pavilion will unlock new wellbeing opportunities, not just for organised sport, but also for fitness groups, health programs, and community events.”
The project has been shaped by several years of community consultation and strong collaboration between Towong Shire Council, the Bethanga Recreation Reserve Committee, the Sports Pavilion Project Reference Group, Sport and Recreation Victoria, Cricket Albury Wodonga, Tennis Victoria, and Four18 Architecture.
“I would like to sincerely thank the Victorian State Government and local community groups who have played an integral part in making this project a reality,” Mayor Whitehead said.
Jo Sirl, President of the Bethanga Recreation Reserve Committee of Management, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Towong Shire Council and the Victorian State Government for supporting the Bethanga Sports Pavilion project through this joint funding initiative.
“Council’s investment and the grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria will help us meet our long-held goal of a new Bethanga Sports Pavilion coming to life that will provide huge value to the wider community.”
The new facilities will make a significant difference in helping to build a stronger sense of community for local sporting clubs, having dedicated spaces for gameday and post-game gatherings. The expansion of cricket and tennis competitions and events at the venue will become a reality.
Bethanga Cricket Club President Jack Robinson said the club was absolutely thrilled to be getting new club rooms and change rooms: “It is a huge win for everyone involved with the club, from players and volunteers to families and supporters. It is a real step forward in making the club more inclusive and welcoming for everyone, allowing the club to better support junior development and a boost for the future of cricket in Bethanga.”
A community event will be held on Saturday October 11 to acknowledge and celebrate the work and commitment of all stakeholders in securing funding.
Construction is set to commence in the first half of 2026, with completion targeted for mid to late 2027.
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