This election commitment would go towards a combined $5.4 million project, with the City of Greater Bendigo contributing the remaining $2.4 million.

This announcement completes the final stage of the Unite the North campaign, which was kickstarted with a $1 million commitment from Labor in the lead up to the 2022 Federal election.

Designs are nearly complete for the new Shadforth Park Pavilion, which will house clubrooms for both men and women’s Golden City Soccer teams. The space will also be shared with Swordcraft Bendigo.

The new North Bendigo Pavilion will provide modern, female-friendly facilities for the North Bendigo Football Netball Club and Bendigo Cricket Club. It will also incorporate umpire changerooms, function facilities, a kitchen and kiosk and an undercover viewing area.

Labor Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters has been an ongoing advocate for the Unite the North campaign, and an Albanese Labor Government will deliver both stages of this project.

Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters MP:

“The Unite the North campaign was always a two-stage process.

"I was proud that our government was responsible for getting this campaign off the ground with a $1 million commitment at the last election.

“That funding will see construction begin soon on the Shadforth Park Pavilion, providing modern facilities for soccer and swordcraft participants.

"Now a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will deliver the funding required for a new facility at the North Bendigo Recreation Reserve.

“I want to thank the North Bendigo community and the Unite the North campaign for their advocacy on this project.

“The community deserves up-to-date facilities, and a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will deliver this.”


Quotes attributable to City of Greater Bendigo CEO, Andrew Cooney:

“The City is pleased to welcome this election commitment, which would help complete our redevelopment of North Bendigo Recreation Reserve and build a new pavilion to support local football, netball and cricket teams.

“The project would deliver much needed female-friendly facilities, as well as facilities for umpires, a kitchen/kiosk, function space and outdoor undercover viewing area.

“This announcement complements the development of a new soccer pavilion at the reserve, which is expected to be under construction later this year.”