Mount Martha Soccer Club, Mornington Peninsula Athletics Club, and Mornington Little Athletics Centre now have a new game changing space to get set for the big events thanks to the new pavilion at Civic Reserve. 

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today joined representatives from Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and the three local clubs to officially open the pavilion, made possible by a $4 million investment from the Victorian Government Community Sport Infrastructure Stimulus Program.  

With more than 900 members between them, the local soccer and athletics clubs were recently struggling to cater for growing numbers in the old pavilion. The Little Athletics Centre has only had a pemanent Peninsula base for the past five years – and this pavilion is the first time the club has had proper facilities. 

Positioned in between the athletics track and the soccer field with access from both sides, the new pavilion has four new female-friendly change rooms, umpires’ change rooms, a kitchen, a multi-use social space, a first aid room, meeting space and storage areas.  

The new building provides the perfect base for the clubs to increase local memberships, train, compete, and develop programs at the ground. 

The Labor Government has invested more than $2.3 billion in community sport and active recreation infrastructure over the past decade. 
 
The Victorian Budget 2024/25 is also providing more than $23 million to continue delivery of community sport and active recreation infrastructure, and programs to increase participation opportunities and improve accessibility.  

From new sports pavilions to scoreboards, investments like these provide high-quality and accessible facilities that allow Victorians to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation participation.  

Tom McIntosh acknowledged Mornington Peninsula Shire Council for its $6.5 million financial contribution and commitment to delivering to the project.  

For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit sport.vic.gov.au. 

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh  

“These volunteer run clubs are an integral part of the community and they deserve modern facilities they can be proud of.” 

“The female friendly pavilion opens up more opportunities for participation and provides the perfect foundation for local clubs to grow, and for the community to host big events.” 

Quotes attributable to Mornington Little Athletics Centre Treasurer Todd Martin 

"Mornington Little Athletics has been operating for 55 years, but until five years ago we didn't have a permanent home on the Peninsula." 

"With the construction of the track five years ago, and now with the pavilion, we'll have somewhere to call home, which is a big thing for our centre." 

"With between 250 and 350 kids running around every Saturday morning, it's fantastic to have this pavilion now as a home for our club."