We will formally open three major projects in coming days, celebrating with the community new facilities that are supporting people, social connections and economy.

The official opening of Orbost Forest Park will take place at 10.30am this Friday, 29 November, followed by the WORLD Sporting Precinct at 5.30pm on Thursday 5 December, and Stage 1 of the Omeo Mountain Bike Trails at 11.30am on Friday 6 December.

Each project features a formal ceremony, and community celebrations, with all residents and visitors encouraged to attend.

WORLD Sporting Precinct Building on a long history

The WORLD Sporting Precinct represents a $17.4 million investment in regional sport and recreation. Featuring new netball courts, hockey pitches, and a modern pavilion, the facility builds on decades of community effort and volunteer dedication.

“It’s not just a place for sport - it’s a hub where friendships are formed, skills are developed, and communities come together,” Fiona said.

The opening event will include an exhibition netball game by the Bairnsdale Netball Association.

Orbost Forest Park a draw for locals and visitors

The $1.9 million revitalisation has transformed the park into an inviting and accessible space, complete with enhanced amenities and new playground.

It includes enhanced walking paths, expanded parking, new picnic facilities, a barbecue area, and a modern adventure playground designed input with local students. The park is a leading example of community-focused design and reflects the importance of listening to our communities.

The result is a vibrant space that caters to everyone - from families enjoying a picnic to visitors discovering the region.

The opening event will feature a teddy bears’ picnic for kids, as well as a barbecue and formal ribbon cutting with more than 100 children expected to head to the park for the event.

Omeo Mountain Bike Trails - Putting Omeo on the MTB map

The opening of Stage 1 of the Omeo Mountain Bike Trails marks the completion of the first 50km of trails. Designed for riders of all abilities, the trails are complemented by Livingstone Park’s new facilities, including changerooms, showers, a bike wash and pump track.

When finished, the trail network will extend over 100km, positioning Omeo as a premier mountain biking destination.

Locals and visitors are invited to bring a bike and give the trails a try after the formal opening.

To read more, visit:

Media Release: Council to launch major sports and recreation projects (eastgippsland.vic.gov.au)

Further updates will be provided on YourSay following the Council Election on 26 October 2024, and the questions/feedback tab will be reinstated.

From 12.00 noon Tuesday 17 September until 6.00 pm on Saturday 26 October (Election Day) we will be in the Local Government Election Period (also known as Caretaker Period).

During this time, we will limit our printed communications, website content, social media activity, and community consultations. The ability for people to comment on our social media content will also be disabled during the Election Period.

Each of these steps is to ensure our content does not affect voting in the election and is consistent with steps taken by other Victorian Councils and the Local Government Act 2020.

These changes are only temporary; we'll be back to normal communication activity after the election.

The WORLD Sporting Precinct caters to a diverse range of sports, promoting unity and inclusion through engaged recreation.

These modern fit-for-purpose facilities promote inclusivity by accommodating the needs of all participants regardless of gender and ability, ensuring every player feels valued and respected.

WORLD Pavilion

The WORLD Pavilion was completed in June 2024, and comprises:

• four gender neutral change rooms
• umpires changerooms and amenities
• first aid room
• function space that is furnished to accommodate 80 seated patrons
• a commercial kitchen with two canteens to service east and west sporting fields/ courts
• toilet facilities
• disabled access across the building and precinct

This facility is home to Bairnsdale Netball Association, East Gippsland Hockey Association, Bairnsdale Hockey Club, Nagle Hockey Club, Swan Reach Hockey Club.

The new WORLD Pavilion is a valuable asset for our community and is available for hire.

Promoting social interaction, recreation, education, and community engagement across a wide spectrum of activities, these versatile facilities serve various purposes beyond sports. The function space with its commercial kitchen and accommodations for 80 patrons makes it an ideal venue for community events such as fundraisers, social gatherings, meetings, and workshops, fitness classes, art classes, wellness programs and health screenings, hosting volunteer recruitment drives, voting stations during elections, and other community service programs – the possibilities are endless!

Key inclusions in the precinct are an eight-court precinct with Marshall’s building, a synthetic playing surface with lighting, a turf field, associated access roads, paths, car parking, and landscaping.

We are grateful for the financial support of the Australian and Victorian Governments, which was invaluable in realising our vision of creating inclusive and accessible recreational spaces for all members of the community.

Works at the WORLD are progressing well.

The power in the pavilion has been turned on, the joinery has been installed, and the internal vinyl work is nearing completion.

A large external concrete pour around the exterior of the building was completed last week, and the first section of exposed aggregate was poured on Thursday.

The pavilion is on schedule to be completed by May 2024.

Additional photos are available in the photos tab:

Photos - WORLD Sporting Precinct Redevelopment

The WORLD pavilion is quickly taking shape, with the following activities already complete:

• Brickwork
• Internal rough-in
• Plastering - complete.
• External high-level cladding – The cladding will provide enhanced insulation and weather protection.
• Painting of ceilings
• Internal lights to be installed this week
• Storm water drainage
• Mains power wiring

Installation of the perforated mesh cladding has commenced.

The installation of vinyl flooring, wall cladding, and external concreting will be commencing in the next two weeks.

The WORLD pavilion is progressing well.

The pavilion brickwork and internal rough-in are now complete, and plastering inside the pavilion is underway.

External high-level cladding is underway, which will provide enhanced insulation and weather protection.

Soccer

Council has appointed an architect for the design of the WORLD soccer pavilion and two soccer fields.

A project reference group (PRG) has been established and are scheduled to meet with the Project Supervisor and architect in February 2024.

The PRG is a representative section of the most significant community interest groups that will use the new facilities. The group has been assembled on a voluntary basis with the intention of providing a representative viewpoint on the design options and to support and facilitate community involvement in identifying problems and evaluating solutions.

The final lux level testing shows the lighting has achieved industry standards for hockey and netball.

Well done and thanks to all involved for their work and patience.

Council's contractor, Brooker Builders has made great progress at the WORLD with the new pavilion beginning to really take shape.

The doors and windows have been installed, the brickwork has been completed, and mechanical services are being roughed in.

The sporting precinct lights have been installed and were tested last week. Further testing is still required to meet the required lux levels prior to issuing of compliance certificate to have the lights available for permanent use.

Watch the first netball games here