From grassroots footy to junior cricket, Navarre has a new home ground advantage with the completion of the pavilion transformation at Navarre Recreation Reserve.

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett yesterday joined local celebrations to officially open the new and revamped pavilion, made possible by a $600,000 investment from the Allan Labor Government.

Home to more than 190 players from the Navarre Grasshoppers Football Netball Club and the Navarre Grasshoppers Cricket Club, the previous ageing pavilion was struggling to cope with growing demand.

The transformed pavilion features four change rooms, two umpire change rooms, an upgraded social space, and accessible public amenities, all suitable for women and girls.

The hub is not only a boost for Navarre players and supporters but also provides new spaces for community groups to gather, meet and develop local programs.

The Victorian Budget 2025/26 is providing $20 million to support the development of high-quality, accessible community sports infrastructure across the state, including through the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund.

This brings the Victorian Government’s investment in community sport and active recreation infrastructure to more than $2.4 billion since 2014.

From oval redevelopments to new pavilions, investments like these are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities.

Martha Haylett MP acknowledged the Northern Grampians Shire for its $1.45 million financial contribution, and the Navarre Sports Association for kicking in $50,000.

For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit sport.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

"Sport is the lifeblood of rural communities like Navarre and it is so important that netballers, footballers and cricketers have the best facilities. That's why I'm so proud the State Labor Government has helped transform the recreation reserve with great new facilities for everyone to enjoy year-round."

"I want to thank every one of the Grasshoppers who advocated for this and helped make it happen. It's been years in the making, and they deserve the very best."