Bendigo community clubs see facility gains from local sports upgrades

Bendigo Stadium, now known as Red Energy Arena, began upgrades in September 2025 that include two new courts, court refurbishments, enhanced outdoor netball lighting, solar panels and a backup generator, with work scheduled to finish in late 2026. These changes sit alongside the recent opening of the $25.9 million Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct at Junortoun School, which gives Catherine McAuley College students and the wider community access to cricket and other sports infrastructure.

Shared school and community spaces

The Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct provides a single location where school programs and community groups can use the same facilities. This approach allows local residents to access infrastructure that was previously limited to school use, extending playing opportunities beyond school hours.

Club-level improvements under the Bendigo Sports Package

The Bendigo Bowls Club is receiving four refurbished bowls greens, while the Bendigo Croquet Club is gaining two refurbished croquet courts. Both projects form part of the Bendigo Sports Package and focus on maintaining the playing surfaces used by regular club members and casual participants.

Support for existing venues

The City of Greater Bendigo provided a $100,000 interest-free loan to the privately owned Golden Square ice skating rink. The funds address debt and safety upgrade costs at the venue, helping keep the facility operating for local users.

Events and future use

Bendigo Stadium will host four NBL games across the next two seasons, including Melbourne United matches against the Cairns Taipans and Brisbane Bullets in January 2026. These events will take place on the upgraded courts once works are complete. Residents interested in using the new and refurbished facilities can check directly with the City of Greater Bendigo, Red Energy Arena management, Junortoun School or the individual clubs for booking details and availability.