Sport and Leisure

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Our leisure facilities offer many opportunities to get active in a variety of different settings so we are sure you will find something to inspire you.

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.

Northcote Golf Course
143 Normanby Avenue, Thornbury. VIC. 3070
Phone: (03) 9484 6961
www.northcotegolf.com.au/
Northcote Public Golf Course boasts a challenging 9 hole setup. With 12 bunkers there is plenty of variety to keep your short game at peak as well as the undulating fairways.
Bundoora Golf Course
1069 Plenty Road, Bundoora.
Phone: (03) 9469 3880
bundoora@oncoursegolf.com.au
www.bundoorapark.com.au

Bundoora Park Golf Course is located in a well wooded picturesque parkland setting. The fairways and greens look and play well and the course offers a tough golf challenge that stretches just under 6000 metres and has a par 72.

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

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.

Darebin Sports Club Grants 
Darebin Sports Club Grants (formerly Leisure Minor Works Program) have been initiated in response to a need identified through consultation with Darebin’s sport and recreation groups. The outcomes of this were for greater support in funding minor sport infrastructure improvements, essential sporting equipment needs and helping support new participation initiatives.

In 2019-20, we offer the Sports Club Grants Program in two rounds (October and March), with two focus areas and grant streams:

  • Minor Facility Improvement Stream: minor improvement of existing sport facilities with sports clubs. Council may contribute up to 50% of the total project cost funding up to a maximum of $10,000 for successful applications.
  • Sport Participation Stream: initiatives or programs that address barriers for new or returning players to play at their local sports club. Council may contribute up to $500 for participation programs, activities and events run by your club and associated deliverer training, essential sporting equipment items and resources.

For more information, please see the Sports Club Grants Guidelines or contact our Sport Development Officer on 8470 8138 or email leisure@darebin.vic.gov.au

Additional Resources
Here are some additional resources that may be of benefit to your sports club:
  • 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

We have over 50 sports grounds offering the community the ability to take part in AFL, Soccer, Rugby, Cricket, Baseball, Athletics and Cycling.

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. 

Personal training permit applications 
Personal trainers, fitness instructors and dog obedience trainers must obtain a permit to conduct business in Darebin parks and reserves. Permits are free (except for areas which are designated Crown Land), 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.

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.

Further information
Leisure Services
Phone: 8470 8305
Email: leisure@darebin.vic.gov.au

Find out about major projects happening in Sport and Leisure.

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 mid-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. We are now working on the design of the 4 court indoor stadium, which will be a five-star Green Star rated building.

You are invited to attend one of the following community information sessions to get an update and to provide your feedback on this project:

Dates:
Wednesday 30 October 6–8pm
Wednesday 13 November 6–8pm

Location:
Northcote City Football Club Function Room, Clarendon Road, Thornbury

Can’t attend these sessions? Visit the MSS project page on Your Say 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. 

The project is still in its early stages, and we will bring you updates as it progresses. Here’s an overview of what we have worked on so far:

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. 

As the project progresses, we look forward to providing updates for a community-focused, welcoming and innovative NARC facility.

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

Reservoir Leisure Centre

We are exploring how a range of redevelopment options for Reservoir Leisure Centre can help realise our goal of expanding opportunities for participation and social connection through sport, exercise and leisure activities in Darebin.
 
In June 2019 we carried out community consultation to gather feedback from RLC users and members, local residents, community groups and local schools who use the centre. This is currently under review and will be published in a feasibility study to be considered by Council later this year. 
 
We will bring you more updates as this project progresses.
 
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. More improvements are planned to be delivered in this financial year.

 

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

 

Find a park near you with outdoor fitness stations and find the latest Get Active in Darebin timetable for FREE fitness classes happening around Darebin

Get Active in Darebin

Get Active in Darebin is a free community-based exercise program catering for people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels.

We run four seasonal programs throughout the year. Get Active has finished for 2019, but watch this space for details of our summer program to be announced in early 2020.  

You can also keep up to date with any of our free leisure programs by following Darebin Leisure on Facebook.

Further Information:
Leisure Services
Phone: 8470 8888
Email: leisure@darebin.vic.gov.au

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

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.

We support sport and recreation activities that are inclusive for all abilities. If you have a disability or are a carer for someone with a disability and need help finding local activities, you can get in touch with us for advice.

There are a number of sporting clubs within Darebin offering all abilities teams in a range of different sports.

For more information, visit this page or contact the Leisure Services team:
Email: leisure@darebin.vic.gov.au
P: 03 8470 8305

Sport and recreational activities are a vital part of community life providing outlets for social, physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Creating time for leisure is important for all ages, whether walking the dog, playing football, taking part in a library program or being a part of the local yoga group.  Having the opportunity to relax and reflect on the day should be a priority.

Increasing female participation in physical activity
In Darebin, female 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.

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.

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

Historically, women’s sporting clubs have not been equitably catered for or celebrated in comparison to their male counterparts. Darebin is committed to shifting this narrative by celebrating women’s sporting contributions and the role of women’s sports in achieving gender equality.

‘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.

  

 

Video: How to find your nearest sporting ground or club.