The Ocean Grove Junior Cobras Football Club and Collendina Cobras Cricket Club have a new home ground advantage thanks to the completion of pavilion upgrades at Collendina Recreation Reserve.
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant today joined local celebrations to officially open the pavilion, made possible by a $642,000 investment from the Victorian Government.
Home to more than 800 players that represent the Cobras across the two sports, the old pavilion was struggling to cope with growing demand.
The project delivered a female friendly upgrade of the existing two player and umpire changerooms, and a revamp of the accessible change room, publicly accessible toilets, storeroom, kitchen and social room.
The redeveloped pavilion is not only a boost for players and supporters but also provides new spaces for community groups to gather, meet and develop local programs.
The funding has also gone towards improved road access, carpark extensions and delivery of a new pathway around the oval.
The Victorian Budget 2026/27 is providing more than $24 million to support the development of high-quality, accessible community sports infrastructure across the state, including through the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund which is now open for applications and closes 28 July.
This brings the Victorian Government’s investment in community sport and active recreation infrastructure to more than $2.4 billion since 2014.
From oval redevelopments to new pavilions, investments like these are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities.
Alison Marchant MP acknowledged the Greater Geelong City Council for its financial contribution of almost $980,0000 and the Federal Government for its $580,000 contribution.
For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit sport.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
“Congratulations to the Ocean Grove Cobra Football Club and Collendina Cobras Cricket Club for their dedication, advocacy, and commitment in bringing this project to life.”
“I am proud to see the reserve upgrades deliver a safer environment for players, volunteers, and the broader community, with the new pavilion and facilities creating more opportunities for Bellarine residents to participate in local sport and supporting clubs to grow and thrive.”
