A long-awaited dream for the Mernda community officially broke ground this week, with the first sod turned on the Mernda Regional Sports Precinct indoor stadium project.
McEwen MP Rob Mitchell joined representatives from Whittlesea coincil at the Mernda site on Friday to mark the beginning of a major development set to transform sport and recreation in Melbourne’s north.
Describing the event as “more than just the beginning of a long-awaited construction project,” Mr Mitchell said the precinct would become a hub for connection, fitness and local pride.
“This is the start of a new chapter for Mernda and the surrounding communities – one that brings sport, opportunity and community together under one roof,” Mr Mitchell said.
Funded by a $10 million boost from the federal government’s Thriving Suburbs Program, the indoor stadium will feature four courts, spectator seating, DDA-compliant toilets, change-rooms, a Changing Places facility, multipurpose rooms, a kiosk, office space and more.
It is part of a broader $1.5 million investment that will also deliver eight outdoor netball courts through the Play Our Way initiative.
“This project reflects the very best of community-led planning and government working together,” Mr Mitchell said.
“Credit to the City of Whittlesea for the work that went into the grant application and the vision they have applied for sport in our community.”
Mr Mitchell was joined by Melbourne Vixens player and Whittlesea local Tara Watson, as well as young netballers Tayla, Haley and Jayde from the Northern Pride Netball Association — all of whom are eagerly awaiting their future home court.
Construction is set to finish by December 2026 and is expected to generate 82 direct and 120 indirect jobs.
“We’re also building for the future, with partnerships in place that will open up education and career pathways in sports management, coaching and health sciences,” Mr Mitchell added.
