Bendigo Sports Facilities: How to Get Involved and What You Need to Know to Start

Bendigo residents can begin using La Trobe University's new Bendigo Sports Centre immediately, where a free trial period runs until August 22. The centre provides indoor and outdoor courts for netball, basketball, volleyball and badminton along with a gym that operates seven days a week.

Accessing La Trobe University's Bendigo Sports Centre

The facility opened recently and accepts users for the listed sports. People interested in starting should visit during opening hours to complete any required registration and begin the free trial before the August 22 cutoff. This provides a direct way to test the indoor and outdoor courts without initial cost.

Using the Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct

The $26M Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct at Junortoun School has opened with shared-use arrangements for community groups outside school hours. Funded by Catherine McAuley College, City of Greater Bendigo and the Victorian Government, the precinct allows local organisations to book spaces once school activities finish each day. Prospective users should contact the school or partner organisations to confirm availability and any booking requirements for netball or other activities.

Tracking Bendigo Stadium upgrades and events

Bendigo Stadium is undergoing upgrades that include two new courts, refurbishment of courts 9 and 10, and 200 lux lighting across 12 outdoor netball courts, with work scheduled from September 2025 through late 2026. Similar upgrades at Bendigo Showgrounds, including a multipurpose pavilion, have also started. The venue will host four NBL games across the next two seasons, with Melbourne United scheduled against the Cairns Taipans on January 7 and the Brisbane Bullets on January 21. Residents planning to attend matches or use upgraded courts after late 2026 can monitor announcements from the stadium operators for ticket details and post-construction access.

These developments follow the cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, yet the promised works at both Bendigo Stadium and the Showgrounds remain on track for the original late 2026 completion. Participation in the new and upgraded spaces begins with checking trial access at La Trobe, confirming community booking processes at Junortoun School, and following stadium updates for future court use and match attendance.