The $1.16 million project included the installation of four new LED light towers, bringing the reserve up to AFL training standards and extending opportunities for training and competition beyond daylight hours.

Upgrades to football and cricket changerooms for senior men, women and junior players, along with improved umpire amenities, have created more inclusive and accessible facilities that support growing participation in local sport, particularly among women and girls.

This project was supported by $800,000 from the Australian Government and $363,000 through a City Community Infrastructure Grant.

Ocean Grove Memorial Recreation Reserve remains an important sporting venue for the Ocean Grove Football Netball Club, Ocean Grove Cricket Club, Ocean Grove Cobras Junior Football Club and Collendina Cricket Club.

Despite football and cricket relocating from Memorial Reserve to Shell Road Reserve in 2016 to join soccer and netball, strong population growth across the Bellarine has continued to drive demand for training and competition space at Memorial Reserve.

Together, these upgrades will help meet growing demand for community sport by providing safer and more accessible facilities, expanding opportunities for training and competition, and supporting local clubs as Ocean Grove and the Bellarine continue to grow.

Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker MP:

Memorial Reserve has been part of Ocean Grove’s sporting story for generations, and these upgrades will help secure its future as our community continues to grow.

The new lighting and upgraded facilities mean more opportunities for local players to train, compete and participate, particularly women and girls.

I’m proud to have secured federal funding for these upgrades, with the Albanese Labor Government investing $800,000 alongside the City of Greater Geelong to deliver better facilities for local clubs and families.

Connewarre Ward Councillor Elise Wilkinson:

Sport plays an important role in bringing people together, keeping our community active and creating a sense of belonging.

By improving these facilities and increasing access to the ground after dark, we’re making it easier for local clubs to welcome more players and keep up with the growing demand.

Ocean Grove Football Netball Club President Greg Mervin:

Our juniors have already enjoyed a full season under the new lights, and the completion of the upgrade to the changerooms and umpire facilities is another major step forward for Memorial Reserve.

We now have a dedicated home for our junior boys and girls and our senior women's program, with quality facilities that give us the capacity to welcome more players and support their growth well into the future.

Memorial Reserve has a long history with our club, so it’s particularly pleasing to see it upgraded to a standard that will allow it to play an important role in our future as well.