Netball Victoria has welcomed the outcome of the 2026–27 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSIF), with 13 netball projects funded to improve and expand community facilities in metropolitan and regional areas across the state.
The LSIF supports local councils to develop and upgrade community sporting infrastructure, helping to meet growing demand, increase participation opportunities and create more accessible and inclusive places to play. Grants of between $40,000 and $500,000 are available across three streams: Planning, Community Sports Lighting and Community Facilities.
During the 2026–27 round, Netball Victoria’s Facilities team supported 19 councils to develop 20 LSIF submissions, helping ensure each proposal aligned with facility standards and responded to local community needs.
The 13 successful netball-related projects represent a significant investment in the future of community netball across Victoria.
Together, these projects will create safer, more modern and accessible environments for players, coaches, officials and volunteers, while supporting continued participation growth at every level of the game.
Three successful projects developed with close support from Netball Victoria highlight the reach of the funded work:
Bonnie Doon Recreation Reserve (Mansfield Shire Council) — Community Facilities Stream: The upgrade will add a second multi-sport court, giving the venue two competition-standard netball courts with lighting and shelters. The community has contributed $150,000 to the project, which secured funding after two previous unsuccessful applications by council.
Armstrong Creek West Regional Sports Precinct Facility Planning Project (Geelong City Council) — Planning Stream: The project will fund planning and design for a new regional netball facility featuring 12–16 outdoor courts and a pavilion.
Manningham Templestowe Leisure Centre (Manningham Council) — Community Sports Lighting Stream: The project will replace non-compliant lighting across eight outdoor courts with compliant sports lighting, creating a safer, well-lit environment and allowing netball to be played for longer hours.
Netball Victoria Facilities and Infrastructure Manager Sara Howie said the funding would support immediate facility improvements and long-term planning for netball communities across Victoria.
"It's fantastic to see investment being made across the Community Facilities, Community Sports Lighting and Planning streams, recognising that strong sporting environments are built through both infrastructure delivery and strategic planning."
"These projects will help communities create safer, more accessible and inclusive places to play, while also ensuring councils can plan for future participation growth and evolving community needs."
"We congratulate all successful councils and look forward to continuing our work with local government partners to strengthen netball facilities across Victoria and support the long-term sustainability of the sport."
