Sport and Leisure

Bundoora Park Farm
1069 Plenty Road, Bundoora. VIC.
Phone: (03) 8470 8170
bundpark@darebin.vic.gov.au
www.bundoorapark.com.au

• Children's Farm
• Cafe
• Heritage Village
• Community Garden Plots
• Bundoora Golf Course
• Parklands and Conservation
• Picnics and Playgrounds
• Bundoora Homestead Art Centre
• Bundoora Park Dog Off Lead Area

Bundoora Park is the largest park in the Northern suburbs, and is home to Bundoora Park Golf Course and Coopers Settlement complete with a Children’s Farm and Heritage Village.

Reservoir Leisure Centre
2A Cuthbert Rd, Reservoir VIC 3073
Phone: (03) 9496 1050
rlc@darebin.vic.gov.au
www.darebin.vic.gov.au/rlc

With specialised programs, high class equipment and facilities and friendly, knowledgeable staff Reservoir Leisure Centre is sure to get you moving.

• Cardio/Fitness Gym with over 40 pieces of Cardio Equipment
• Qualified Fitness Consultants
• Free Weights Gym Area
• 25m Pool/Hydrotherapy Pool/Activity Pool
• Steam Room
• Sauna and Spa
• Creche
• Cafe/Kiosk Area

Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC)
180 Victoria Road, Northcote VIC 3070
Phone: (03) 9486 7200
northcote@ymca.org.au
www.northcote.ymca.org.au

The Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC) has the following facilities:

• Heated Indoor and Outdoor Pool
• Large range of Cardio Equipment
• Free Weights Area
• Personal Training Sessions
• Group Fitness Classes
• Creche
• Tennis Courts
• Café
• Massage
• Physiotherapy
• Spa, Sauna and Steam room

Darebin Community Sports Stadium
857 Plenty Road, Reservoir. VIC. 3073
Phone: (03) 9471 4935
darebin@ymca.org.au
www.darebinstadium.ymca.org.au

The Darebin Community Sports Stadium has the following facilities:

• 800 seat show court
• 4 indoor multi-purpose courts
• 3 outdoor courts
• 3 multi-purpose rooms
• Kiosk
• Change rooms and amenities
• Off-street parking for over 100 cars

Darebin Community Sports Stadium is home to an active sporting community who are engaged in a wide variety of passive and active recreational activities.

Darebin International Sports Centre (DISC)
281 Darebin Road, Thornbury VIC 3070

The Darebin International Sports Centre (DISC) is home to Bowls Australia, Darebin City Bowls Club, Cycling Victoria and the very popular synthetics soccer pitches managed by Football Federation Victoria.

For booking information regarding the synthetic pitches, bowling greens or the velodrome, please contact the relevant organisation directly.

• Darebin City Bowls Club (03) 94801331
• Cycling Victoria (03) 8480 3000
• Football Federation Victoria (03) 9474 1800
• Bowls Australia (03) 9480 7100

Northcote Golf Course
143 Normanby Avenue, Thornbury. VIC. 3070
Phone: (03) 9484 6961
www.northcotegolf.com.au/

Sport and Recreation Directory
To find out what activities are available in your neighbourhood check out our Sport and Recreation Directory. From roller-derby to yoga, gardening to dance, pet clubs to canoeing we are sure there is a club in Darebin that will get you moving!

Club Kit
The Club Kit - A Guide for Sports Clubs in Darebin has been compiled to assist clubs to steer their way through the complexities of club administration.  This kit includes basic information on a range of relevant topics and provides links to other organisations so clubs can easily access more detailed information if desired.

Promoting Disability Inclusion in Sport
Download our guide to Promoting Disability Inclusion in Sport for great advice, ideas, local contacts and practical ways that clubs can increase participation of community members with a disability in their club activities. 

Sports Facility Maintenance
If your club requires assistance with maintenance to sports or park facilities please contact us. We will ensure your request is assessed as soon as possible.

Recovery Grants for Sports Clubs

The Darebin Recovery Grants are designed to help businesses, community organisations and sporting clubs adapt to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The latest round of Recovery Grants form part of the Council’s $11.8 million Community and Business Resilience and Recovery Package.

The Recovery Grants are a competitive process and are open to businesses, sporting clubs, creative and cultural organisations. Funding of $1 million will be available through this round of grants with a focus on supporting those in the community who are the most vulnerable and hardest hit by the impacts of COVID-19. 

Recovery Grants streams totalling $700,000 which are now open include:

• Business Recovery Grants
• Cultural Infrastructure Grants
• Sport Recovery Grants

Further details in relation to individual grants and how you can apply can be found here.

The grants program is designed to support the existing financial assistance packages from the State and Federal governments. This is a competitive grants program that involves a finite amount of money. As there are multiple streams of funding available, please check the eligibility guidelines for each before you apply. 

Applications open on 18 August 2020, and will close on 21 September.

Contact

Please direct queries to the Sport Development Officer on 8470 8138 or email leisure@darebin.vic.gov.au.

 

• VicHealth -Provides information about promoting health and wellbeing, and occasionally providing grant opportunities for sporting clubs.
• Play by the Rules - News, resources and free online training to assist sport and recreation clubs and administrators, officials, coaches, players and spectators to keep sport safe, fair and inclusive.
• Australian Sports Commission - Up-to-date information on the structure and organisation of sport in Australia.
• Our Community - Supports not-for-profit groups by providing advice, tools, resources funding opportunities and training.
• VicSport - Represents the needs and concerns of over 170 member groups to Government, associated statutory authorities, relevant business and private enterprises and other stakeholders with an interest in promoting sport and active recreation.
• Athlete Ally - A non-profit organization focused on ending homophobia and transphobia in sports
• The Inclusion Club - An international community of like minded people committed to the inclusion of people with disability in sport and active recreation.
• Australian Womensport & Recreation Association - A non-profit organisation dedicated to providing leadership and advocacy for women and girls in sport.
• Sports Community - Assists grass roots clubs to succeed through the empowerment of club volunteers.
• Sport and Recreation Victoria - Provides information about sport and recreation activities within Victoria

Further Information
Customer Service Team
Phone: 8470 8888
Email: leisure@darebin.vic.gov.au

Sporting grounds are tenanted by local sporting clubs who offer opportunities for our community to participate in sporting opportunities. Clubs will schedule training and competition on their allocated grounds, under the conditions of their agreements with Council. Outside of these schedule times the sports grounds are free for a casual kick around the park.

Casual sports ground bookings
Sports grounds can be booked by the community on a casual basis. Most casual bookings are made by schools for school sports activities, cultural sporting events, participation clinics and active fundraisers.

To make a casual ground booking:

1. Visit the online booking portal.
2. Log in or create an account (an account is needed to make a booking request)
3. Abide by the Sporting Fees, Charges and Occupancy Agreement Policy.
4. Pay the usage fee once your booking is confirmed.

Please note: Not all grounds will be available, and availability is dependent on existing agreements and ground surface conditions.

Seasonal sports ground bookings
Sports grounds are tenanted to sports clubs on a seasonal basis. If you are a new club looking for a home in Darebin, get in touch with us to discuss your club’s needs. To apply for a seasonal permit, contact us first to discuss ground availability and your club’s needs. We will explain the formal application process to you, including application dates. All clubs must abide by our Sporting Fees, Charges and Occupancy Agreement Policy. Clubs may also be eligible to apply for a sporting fee performance subsidy. 

1. Read our Recreational Trades in Open Space Policy
2. Download and complete the application form
3. Submit your form, along with the required documentation to us via post or email.

Please note: Completion of an application form does not guarantee availability of booking request. 

Hot air balloon launch/landing permit applications
All hot air balloon operators must obtain a permit to launch and land in Darebin. Permitted locations are Mayer Park (Normanby Ave, Northcote) and CT Barling Reserve (Plenty Rd, Reservoir). Permits do attract a fee and are valid for a 12 month period. To apply:

1. Read our Recreational Trades in Open Space Policy
2. Download and complete the application form
3. Submit your form, along with the required documentation to us via post or email.

Sporting Ground Audits
Our sports grounds are required to be irrigated under a Yarra Valley Water Allocation Program. We have been allocated 250 mega litres to irrigate sports grounds. Our audits monitor the condition of the grounds and playing fields every month. Sporting grounds are assessed using the following criteria:

• Hardness cracks, holes, damaged surfaces
• Grass areas-cover, vigour, height and evenness
• Wicket areas synthetic areas and grassed pitches
• Worn bare areas evenness and firmness

For Summer sports, a weighted score of 53 and greater indicates that the ground is safe to play on. Grounds that score less than 53 may be considered unsafe to play on and possibly closed to organised sport. For Winter sports, a weighted score of 48 and greater indicates that the ground is safe to play on. Grounds that score less than 48 may be considered unsafe to play on and could possibly be closed to organised sport.

We are working closely with local sports clubs to ensure the condition of the playing surface is monitored closely during the water restrictions. Both Council and local clubs conduct audits to check on the effects of the water restrictions to the grounds and act accordingly.

Multi-Sport Stadium

Council has endorsed the development of a Multi-Sport Stadium (MSS) at John Cain Memorial Park in Thornbury.

This community facility will provide a much-needed space for a range of court sports including; netball, basketball, volleyball, futsal and badminton. Purpose-built and fully accessible, the MSS will create more opportunities for women and girls in Darebin to participate in sport and exercise.

The first phase of this project is underway, with the construction of four new outdoor netball courts. Expected to be complete in October 2020, these courts will cater to the high demand for quality netball facilities within Darebin.

Council awarded the contract to develop the design of the MSS to Brand Architects in April 2019. The design team has worked over the past 16 months on the development of designs for the 4 court stadium, which will be a 5-star Green Star certified building.

At the ordinary Council meeting held on Monday 20 July 2020, Council resolved to award the construction contract to ADCO Constructions, following a stringent and extremely competitive tender process. The construction contract is for works to build the new MSS facility within John Cain Memorial Park.

Visit the MSS project page on Your Say Darebin for the latest information and subscribe to receive updates via email. 

Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre 

The renewal of the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC) is part of our 2017-2021 Council Plan, supporting our goal to expand opportunities for participation and social connection through sport, physical activity and other leisure activities. 

Project Background:

In late 2017 through to early 2018 we listened to your feedback. Consultation with NARC users and members, local residents, community groups and local schools who use the centre contributed to a feasibility study.

Overall the feasibility study and community consultation found that NARC is a highly valued and utilised community asset, however it is not meeting the current needs of the community. While the facility has been upgraded over the years, as it was built in 1968, a new facility needs to be developed to cater for existing and future needs. This brings with it an opportunity to make significant improvements to the functionality and services offered at NARC.

The feasibility study was considered by Council in September 2018, and in June 2019 Council awarded the contract for the design of the new facility to Warren and Mahoney Architects Australia. 

Early in 2020, proposed concept designs were made available for community feedback. Thank you to all those in the community who participated during the consultation, this valuable feedback has been reviewed and has informed some changes to the design with detailed drawings now in progress.

We look forward to sharing further project updates in late 2020.

To follow this project, head to Your Say Darebin where you can subscribe to receive updates via email.

Reservoir Leisure Centre

RLC renewal works update

While planning for the long term future of the facility is being worked on, a program of immediate facility improvements is underway. Recent works that have been completed include: new school change rooms, family change cubicles, reception refresh, tiling of pool columns, first aid room improvements, a fresh coat of paint for the exterior, new pool filters, and improved air handling systems for the pool hall.

As of June 2020, works are well underway to renew the roof over the group fitness rooms room at RLC. These works include structural works, a new roof, guttering, flashing, down pipes for the group fitness rooms, along with new air conditioning systems, new ceilings and lighting. Works are expected to be complete at the end of June. Cost of works is approximately $380,000.

Contact

If you have questions or require further information about major projects happening in Sport and Leisure, please contact:
E: Leisure@darebin.vic.gov.au
T: 8470 8503

 

Staying home and staying active

While we’re doing our part to slow the spread of coronavirus by staying home, here’s a list of free resources to help you keep moving.

It’s normal to feel some fatigue during this time. Mixing up your routine and trying a new activity can help to improve your mood and sense of wellbeing. Below you’ll find link to online workouts like yoga, high intensity training, or a range of kid’s workouts.

Stay safe, and if you have any questions please contact leisure@darebin.vic.gov.au.

Reservoir Leisure Centre
Free fitness classes throughout the week, streamed on Facebook. Join live classes in real-time or catch up when it suits you.
facebook.com/reservoirleisurecentre  

RLC virtual timetable:
Monday	8am: Weekly Challenge 11am: Keep Strong with Pina 12pm: Barbell workout with Liz
Tuesday	10am: Pilates with Dimi 12pm: Strength with Nathan
Wednesday	8am: Barbell workout with Pina 11am: Keep Strong with Dimi
Thursday	11am: Yoga with Pina
Friday	8am: Barbell workout with Pina 9am: Cardio with Liz 10am: Abs, Glutes & Legs with Dimi
Saturday	9am: Rezfit with Nathan

Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre
Live group fitness classes, virtual fitness and Les Mills on-demand, plus of other fitness, nutrition, wellness, family and youth resources. Register for free! 
virtualy.ymca.org.au

Get Active Lite 
Find a virtual version of Council’s free fitness program on the Darebin Leisure Facebook page. Join in for Chair Yoga every Monday at 12pm. 
facebook.com/darebin.leisure    

Even more activities from community providers:

YMCA YThrive Home
Workouts suitable for any fitness level.
ythrive.ca/videos
YGym: Physical Activity for Ages 5-9

Spark Health Wellah Workout Series
Workouts created by our friends at Spark Health who work with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community
facebook.com/SparkHealthAus

This Girl Can
Workouts for women with a range of beginner-friendly activities available.
thisgirlcan.com.au/active-at-home

Active Seniors
Workouts online for older adults.
facebook.com/activeseniors.net.au

Fearless movement collective
Workouts made for the LGBTQIA community.
facebook.com/fearlessmovementco

 

Outdoor exercise equipment

Outdoor gym equipment is available to be used freely by any member of the public from teenagers through to seniors. The equipment provides a cardiovascular workout, developing most muscle groups while enjoying the fresh outdoors. With the outdoor exercise equipment, you can enjoy your exercise any time for free and no commitment. 

Locations:

A.H. Capp Reserve (Halwyn Crescent, Preston)

All Nations Park (Separation St, Northcote)

Bundoora Park (Playground Drive, Bundoora)

C.H. Sullivan Memorial Park (Blake St, Preston)

Edwardes Lake Park (Griffiths St, Reservoir)

I.W. Dole Reserve (Dole Ave, Reservoir)

J.C. Donath Reserve (Harmer St, Reservoir)

Mayer Park (Normanby Ave, Thornbury)

T.W. Andrews Reserve (Fordham Rd, Reservoir)

W.R. Ruthven V.C. Reserve (Malpas Street, Preston)

Heart Foundation Walking Groups

COVID-19 Update: Please note all walking groups are suspended under current Stage 4 restrictions.

Heart Foundation Walking is Australia’s largest network of free community based walking groups. Participation in the walking groups is free and it is a great way to get active and meet new people.

The local Heart Foundation Walking group meets in Northcote on Mondays at 9:30am. Starting and finishing at Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre, the walking group covers approximately 5 kilometres at a light-to-moderate intensity through the streets of Northcote and surrounding areas. Children and prams are welcome. 

See the Heart Foundation website for further information.

Subsidised gym memberships

Full access to the leisure centre can be expensive for people experiencing financial hardship. Subsidised Gym Membership supports Darebin residents to have full access to Reservoir Leisure Centre during off peak hours (6am–4 pm).

To assess your eligibility, get in touch with the Reservoir Neighbourhood House on 9462 4611.

Access All Abilities
AAA Play is a free information and referral service. Visit the AAA Play website or call 1800 222 842 to discover the range of sports and active recreation activities close to your home for people of all abilities.

AAA Play
Ph: 1800 222 842
Email: request@aaavic.org.au

To contact the Leisure Services team:
Ph: 03 8470 8305
Email: leisure@darebin.vic.gov.au

Increasing female participation in physical activity
In Darebin, women's participation rates in physical activity are lower than average and we are working towards changing this trend. We are committed to advancing gender equity and increasing women’s participation, wellbeing and leadership in the community.

This Girl Can Week

Like communities around the country and the world, Darebin Council is taking measures to promote good health and limit the impacts of the coronavirus in our community.

The safety of our community and staff is our top priority. In keeping with this, Council has made the decision to close some of our community venues and services until further notice, as well as cancel or postpone some events.

This includes postponing all This Girl Can Week activities until further notice.

You can continue to check for any service updates on our website www.darebin.vic.gov.au or social media channels and can continue to email or call 8470 8888 to speak to a Darebin Customer Service representative.

Please also continue to see https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus for the latest advice and information from the coronavirus lead authorities.

We hope our community understands these decisions are not taken lightly, but we have made them knowing now is the time to look after ourselves and each other as we work together across the community to promote good health, patience and compassion, and lessen the impact of the Coronavirus.

Please continue to take good care of yourselves and those around you.

The following events have been postponed:

Fairfield

Performing Older Women Circus Workshop | Saturday 28 March
Circus skills for women aged 40 and up – absolute beginners encouraged! Bookings essential. 

Northcote 

Free Golf Open Day | Sunday 22 March
Food trucks, group clinics and plenty of fun for the whole family!

This Girl Can Climb | Friday 27 March 
For the curious climber – low cost beginner's session with experienced coaches on hand.

This Girl Clam | Saturday 28 March 
Come and try water ballet with The Clams! Bookings essential. 

SK8 Nation | Sunday 29 March
If it rolls, you can try it! Give skateboarding, roller-skating, inline skating or BMX a go.

Thornbury

This Girl Can Try Track | Thursday 26 March
Ever wanted to ride in a velodrome? This is your chance! Child minding available. Bookings essential. 

Preston

Women on Wheels Workshop | Saturday 21 March 
Boost your confidence when riding in traffic with This Girl Can - Victoria ambassador Tina McCarthy! Bookings essential.

Footy Mums | Wednesday 25 March 
It’s like a boot camp with a football. For any level, mums or maybe mums! Bookings essential. 

Forum: The Power of Sport | Wednesday 25 March
Hear from keynote speaker, Paratriathlete Kerryn Harvey, followed by a panel discussion with Dance and Roll founder Rocca Salcedo, This Girl Can - Victoria Ambassador, Tina McCarthy and  Former Darebin Falcon and inaugural Western Bulldogs AFLW player, Kate Tindall. Bookings essential. 

Para Dance | Thursday 26 March
Come and try Para Dance with Darebin's very own Dance & Roll, for women with physical disabilities.

Bundoora

Come and Try Baseball | Thursday 26 March

Give Golf a Go | Sunday 29 March 
Build your confidence out on the green at this free social session. Bookings essential.

Darebin Women in Sport Network (DWiSN)
The Darebin Women in Sport Network is a community based membership of people who are currently involved in sport and recreation in Darebin, who share an interest in growing the involvement and opportunities for females in sport.

The network provides a forum through which Council and Clubs can collaborate and receive advice and guidance on the future development of initiatives that relate to female involvement in Sport and Recreation in Darebin. The network meets quarterly and is facilitated by our staff.

For more information on the Darebin Women in Sport Network please email leisure@darebin.vic.gov.au

Club Resource: Leveling the Playing Field
Our latest resource, Leveling the Playing Field, aims to highlight the benefits of involving women and girls in sport and recreation, and to showcase what they bring to sports clubs and community recreation programs. The book features profiles on five of Darebin's own important local female sporting figures. This creative approach is just one way the we are working closer with local sporting clubs and recreation providers to improve access and increase opportunities for females to play sport.

Hard copies are also available, please contact us to request a copy.

 

‘Front and Centre: Achieving Gender Equality on and off the Field’ showcases Darebin’s role in supporting women’s sport, the success and resilience of the Falcons and the crucial role that gender equity plays in achieving better outcomes in our community.

Council believes that gender should not be a limiting factor for the full and equal participation in sport and all aspects of community life. Our focus on women and girl’s participation in sports forms part of Council’s overarching commitment to achieving gender equality across the community and the prevention of violence against women.