Donaldson Park Community Hub Redevelopment

The Community Hub project at Donaldson Park brings together years of planning and community engagement, delivering a multi-purpose building catering for current sport clubs while providing a suitable venue for public hire.

A feasibility study was completed in 2016 and adopted by Council, enabling the Shire to secure grant funding from both the Federal and State Governments.

Contributions to the project have also come from:

• Loddon Shire Council
• Donaldson Park Community Asset Committee
• Wedderburn Redbacks
• Wedderburn Harness Racing Club
• Harness Racing Victoria
• Inglewood & Districts Community Enterprises Limited

A Steering Committee was formed to assist with the project with representatives from:

• Donaldson Park Community Asset Committee
• Wedderburn P-12 College
• Wedderburn Football, Netball and Hockey Club (Redbacks)
• Wedderburn Harness Racing Club
• Council

Update - June 2024

he new Donaldson Park Community Hub has been officially opened, with celebrations taking place during the Wedderburn Redbacks first home game of the season.

Opened on 1 June by Member for Ripon Martha Haylett MP and Loddon Shire Council Mayor Gavan Holt, the opening of the $7 million facility follows years of planning.

Speaking at the opening, Cr Holt thanked everyone who contributed to the delivery of the community hub.

“I’d like to acknowledge and thank all those involved in delivering this first-class facility for our community, sporting clubs and user groups,” Cr Holt said.

“This includes the very generous funding from our Australian Government and Victorian Government, without which, the Donaldson Park Community Hub would not have been possible.

“I would also like to acknowledge and thank the contractor Searle Brothers who have done such a fantastic job in delivering this facility,” Cr Holt added.

“As Mayor, a Councillor and community member, seeing this project come to fruition from the very first concept plans through to the magnificent new hub we have today is very special indeed.

“To date, this is the biggest project we have seen in our Shire, and one of which we’re all very proud.”

The new multi-purpose Donaldson Park Community Hub includes:

• social rooms
• kitchen
• meeting room
• kiosk
• bar
• office
• change rooms
• trainers’ and first aid rooms

In addition to the building itself, the new hub features 40 car parks, landscaping and irrigation, an accessible play space and paths and ramps for the convenience of all community members.

The project was made possible thanks to funding from the Australian Government ($4.53 million), Victorian Government ($1.38 million), Loddon Shire Council ($600,000), Inglewood & Districts Community Enterprises Limited ($100,000) and Harness Racing Victoria ($100,000).

The Donaldson Park Community Asset Committee, user groups and the Wedderburn Development Association collectively provided funding towards the project of $310,000.

The Donaldson Park Steering Committee also provided input throughout the project.

Overview

The Donaldson Park Community Hub Redevelopment Project will include a new multi-purpose facility featuring:

• social rooms
• new kitchen
• meeting room
• kiosk
• bar
• office
• change rooms
• trainers’ and first aid rooms.

It will replace the current pavilions at Donaldson Park Reserve for football, netball and hockey club (Redbacks) and harness racing club.

As well as enabling increased sport participation, the project will provide a community facility able to host large-numbered community groups and events.

It will also include a playspace, activating the reserve outside of sporting hours and encourage recreation.

Stage 1 of the project has been awarded to Searle Bros. This stage includes construction of:

• new multisport and community-focused community hub
• car park
• solar installation with batteries
• pavement works
• landscaping

Works are expected to finish late 2023.

Stage 2 will feature:

• a playspace for all abilities
• additional landscaping
• internal paths adjacent to the new building

Works will commence late 2023.

New Complex

The new complex replaces the facility’s three ageing pavilions and will include:

• social rooms (with seating for up to 150 people)
• new kitchen
• meeting room
• kiosk
• bar
• office
• change rooms
• trainers’ and first aid room

The building will meet sustainability guidelines, including installation of solar panels and battery storage (reducing future running costs) as well as sustainable water practices.

Final detailed plans were developed in 2022 and the old grandstand, toilet block, harness racing judges tower, tote building and harness racing pavilion were demolished to make way for the new Community Hub building, car park and landscaping.