The oval has been transformed thanks to $460,000 from the Albanese Labor Government, which was delivered following a commitment prior to the 2022 Federal Election.

The redevelopment included the installation of a new irrigation system and resurfacing works, partial fencing and relaying of the synthetic cricket pitch to bring the junior oval up to standard. It will soon be eligible to host official junior football and cricket matches.

Federal Member for Bendigo today visited the site to meet with representatives from the Huntly Football and Netball Club and the Huntly Cricket Club, who are excited to use the new space.

The junior oval will be ready for use, dependent on grass establishment throughout winter, at the commencement of the 2025/2026 junior cricket season.

Huntly is a key growth suburb in Bendigo, underscoring the need for better community facilities that encourage youth participation in sports and physical activity.

The Albanese Labor Government is committed to delivering key community infrastructure for regional areas like Huntly.


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BENDIGO, LISA CHESTERS MP: 

“I’m so pleased that we have been able to deliver on my 2022 Federal election commitment of $460,000 to upgrade Strauch Reserve.

“For juniors at the Huntly Football Netball Club and the Huntly North Cricket Club, this will finally mean home games. For years now, these players haven't had one because the surface simply wasn't up to scratch.

“Improving access at our local community sporting facilities is a priority of mine and I will continue to deliver for Bendigo.”


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO CITY OF GREATER BENDIGO MAYOR, ANDREA METCALF: 

“This investment will increase opportunities for the Huntly community and local sporting clubs to participate in organised sport, particularly AFL and cricket, and support the growth in female and junior teams.

“Approximately 370 players use Strauch Reserve and a redeveloped junior oval provides more opportunity for the younger members of our community to connect and socialise through sport.”


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO HUNTLY NORTH CRICKET CLUB SECRETARY, JENNI GRIFFIN: 

“We are thrilled that the redevelopment of the Strauch Reserve junior oval is nearing completion.

“We have been working towards the redevelopment since early 2019 and thank CoGB for their ongoing management and support and Lisa Chesters support since 2022.

“The Junior Oval at Strauch Reserve means we will finally have a home ground we can call our own, enhancing the great pride our local club possesses, uniting our junior and senior clubs and providing a clear pathway from junior to senior cricket.”


QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO HUNTLY FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB SECRETARY, JASON BAWDEN: 

“The new junior ground is fantastic for our club and the development of our junior players.

“Training nights will become a lot safer as the younger grades can train on the junior oval away from the bigger kids and allow all age groups to do more full oval drills.

"It’s a great asset for the community as well as it gives Huntly residents a space to exercise when the main oval is being used for football and cricket training and matches.”