Bendigo's sporting precincts surge ahead with major facility upgrades and community wins

Bendigo's sports infrastructure is charging forward this week, with major facility upgrades underway and community clubs celebrating new home grounds, despite the earlier cancellation of the Regional Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games. The action off the field is just as intense as on it, with projects funded by the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program transforming the city's sporting landscape.

Stadium upgrades and showgrounds pavilion take shape

Bendigo Stadium is undergoing a significant facelift, with works including two new courts, refurbishment of courts 9 and 10, and the installation of 200 lux lighting for outdoor netball courts. These upgrades, part of the state government's Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, are scheduled for completion in late 2026. Despite the Commonwealth Games cancellation, promised upgrades to both Bendigo Stadium and the Bendigo Showgrounds have commenced, with a new multipurpose pavilion rising at the Showgrounds.

The $100,000 interest-free loan provided by the City of Greater Bendigo council to the struggling Golden Square ice skating rink has also kept the facility afloat, with conditions requiring facility upgrades and a new financial plan to ensure its long-term viability.

Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct opens at Catherine McAuley College

The $25.9 million Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct at Catherine McAuley College is now officially open, delivering a boost to junior and senior sport in the city's east. The precinct features junior ovals, a senior oval with lights, outdoor netball courts, an indoor two-court stadium, and a cricket training hub. This multi-sport facility is expected to serve the growing Junortoun community and surrounding suburbs for decades.

Meanwhile, La Trobe University's new Bendigo Sports Centre has opened its doors, offering indoor and outdoor courts for netball, basketball, volleyball, and badminton, plus a gym, oval, and group fitness studio. A free trial period runs until August 22, giving locals the chance to test the facilities.

Community clubs find their feet

The Bendigo Football Netball League continues to be the heartbeat of local sport, with clubs like the Sandhurst Football Netball Club (est. 1861) anchoring the competition. New volunteer-run community clubs are also emerging, such as the Bendigo Crushers Rugby League Club, established in 2024, and the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League, which offers senior competitive and non-competitive junior divisions for players of all ages.

At the community social sports level, the La Trobe League Bendigo is now offering Wednesday Mixed Netball and a new Monday 3x3 Basketball competition, with registrations for Season 2 2026 opening on June 1. The Bendigo Basketball Association, founded in 1947, continues to manage local competitions at the Red Energy Arena and hosts the Bendigo Braves in the Country Basketball League.

What happens next

With stadium works continuing through late 2026, residents can expect further disruption but also longer-term gains. The free trial at La Trobe's sports centre runs until August 22, and the Golden Square ice rink will require a new financial plan to secure its future. The council's loan conditions mean facility upgrades are already being planned, giving the rink a fighting chance to stay open.