General News
11 August, 2026
Long-awaited upgrades to Deledio Reserve pavilion begin with first sod turned
Ground has finally broken at the site of Dunolly’s long-awaited new Deledio Reserve pavilion, bringing the community one step closer to a much needed modern home for sport.
For over two decades, the people of Dunolly have watched plans for Deledio Reserve slowly grow, but at times, start to stall.
Over time, multiple sets of plans and several election promises have failed to eventuate.
But Saturday marked the latest chapter in the long-running campaign with a sod turning ceremony at the reserve, marking the start of a $3 million redevelopment that locals hope will finally deliver the facilities the town has been waiting for.
The existing pavilion was built in 1977 and, according to the Dunolly Recreation Reserve’s Committee (DRRC), has deteriorated significantly, greatly showing its age.
The ground secured a digital scoreboard in March 2023 and then new netball courts in May 2024.
But more funding has been needed to ensure a whole new pavilion.
In recent years, that funding has gradually been secured through a $1.5 million contribution from the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program, $1 million from the Victorian Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund and $500,000 from Central Goldfields Shire Council (CGSC).
A tender was awarded to MKM Building group in April this year, meaning construction can finally start as the current football and netball season comes to an end.
It was during games between Dunolly and Talbot that representatives from all levels of government spoke to a crowd of advocates, sport spectators and families, recalling the efforts of community members that made it possible.
DRRC’s Kath Ryan was moved to finally reach the milestone, with the committee eager to continue fulfilling their ambitions.
“Our current pavilion is hanging by a thread, and had been deteriorating for many years. The kitchen is barely usable and the doors are falling off their hinges. This situation has been very challenging for our user groups, and left people of Dunolly wondering if change would ever happen,” she said.
“While we are pleased to see this investment translated, this falls short of community needs ... we are aware that a pavilion without a functional kitchen is a very real challenge and our committee must find a solution.
“Our volunteers must get to work to seek appropriate funding to extend it.”
For CGSC councillor Liesbeth Long, the day represented not only the start of construction, but years of community advocacy after previous promises fell through.
“What you see before you today is largely thanks to years of planning and hard work by the DRRC. Projects of this scale don’t simply happen because some one asks nicely. They happen because of persistent, determined and relentless advocacy,” she said.
“I want to thank the Dunolly community and all of the reserve users. The footballers, the netballers, the cricketers, archers, CFA volunteers, the local school and community members.
“Many people have helped make this dream become a reality ... you’ll understand the value of the community pavilion like this, where everyone belongs.”
The new pavilion will consist of female friendly change rooms, accessible amenities, social and community spaces, and improved heating and cooling, all aspects Cr Long said have been long overdue.
“There’s no female facilities here, netballers would have to get changed in their car. Imagine that, teenages who have to strip in the car to get changed,” she said.
“If you are disabled, and you need to go to the toilet, guess what? There’s nothing here. You need to go to the main street and go to the toilet in Rene Fox Memorial Gardens. That has always been a huge issue for me.”
The new building will also contain sustainable features such as solar power and rain water harvesting.
Cr Long is pleased to see the pavilion’s use extend beyond sport, with the growing town needing a larger space for community events.
“Our historic town hall is a wonderful asset, but with its limited capacity, it simply can’t cater for our growing community and larger events,” she said.
Community members have also approached Member for Ripon Matha Haylett about the current building’s deterioration since she was one of the electorate’s candidates in 2022.
She’s also relieved to see the first stage of construction finally unveil.
“This has been a journey. I wasn’t even elected yet and the people of Dunolly were talking to me about the need here. We know there is asbestos and there have been issues in the current kitchen,” Ms Haylett said.
“But we are here today to make it a reality ... it’s well overdue so I am very happy to see this happen.”
Committee members still called on speakers and voiced their concerns for the new building still not having kitchen facilities.
But member for Mallee Anne Webster said the next stages of construction will remain consistent issues for her.
“I know we are not in government, so we haven’t had the opportunity to provide that funding, but I absolutely hear you, and Deledio has been on my fight list since 2019. It remains on my fight list,” she said.
“I’m certainly committing to you that investment.”
CGSC CEO Peter Harriott acknowledged these concerns, but asserted opportunities will happen for further projects in later stages, referencing the substantial margin in the nearby game.
“Looking at the scores, they are 9 to 97, in the words of Dumb and Dumber, ‘there’s a chance’. Dunolly could get there, like this project. It’s a long way to go, but everybody eventually gets there,” he said.
The pavilion is expected to be completed in March 2027.