General News
27 September, 2025
Minyip Reserve to shine bright
The Minyip Recreation Reserve is set to shine brighter than ever, thanks to a $250,000 investment from the Victorian Government.
This funding, part of the Country Football Netball Program, will be used to install competition-standard LED lighting on the oval.
The new lighting system would provide a minimum of 100 lux and an average of 166 lux across the oval.
This enhancement will greatly benefit the local football and cricket clubs and other community users.
Minyip-Murtoa Football Netball Club president Chris Delahunty said the announcement completed a long-term redevelopment of the Minyip precinct.
“We’re incredibly excited to receive the funding. It’s the last stage of the precinct redevelopment,” he said.
“This lighting will transform the whole precinct into one of the best in the Wimmera.”
The Yarriambiack Shire Council applied for the funding, but Mr Delahunty said the project has been a collaborative effort between the government, council, and community.
“We’re incredibly grateful for all the help we received through the council,” he said.
Local groups also dug deep, raising $80,000 for the upgrade, with contributions coming from the Minyip Finance Group ($30,000), the Minyip Lions Club, the Minyip Progress Association, the Minyip Recreation Reserve Committee of Management, the Rupanyup-Minyip Cricket Club, and the Burras themselves, who contributed $10000 each.
The Shire also added $10,000 cash support for the project management costs.
Yarriambiack Shire Council mayor Kylie Zanker said the Minyip and Murtoa communities should be commended for their support.
“The total project is estimated at approximately $350,000, with the community generously contributing $80,000, and Council contributing the project management costs for this project to be realised,” she said.
“The ongoing development of sport and recreation facilities in Minyip and Murtoa highlights the initiative of these communities.
“Currently, new netball and tennis courts are set to be constructed in Murtoa, alongside new netball changerooms and an additional netball court in Minyip.
“Approximately $3.6 million is being invested in these communities, with the Minyip-Murtoa Football Netball Club leading these advancements.”
Mr Delahunty said the new lights will benefit more than just the Burras.
“It’s great for the club as it gives us the standard facilities for both our women and men footballers, but for the greater community, it’s going to be great for the cricket club and Minyip as a whole,” he said.
Mr Delahunty said the future looked bright, with $2.6 million already invested into the reserve and a further $1.1 million going into new netball courts at Murtoa.
“Hopefully, this will bring new families and players to our community,” he said.
“It’s a really positive step forward for our club.”
The funding is part of the latest round of the Victorian government’s Country Football Netball Program, which has invested more than $1.5 million to help football clubs across the state improve their facilities.
Head of AFL Victoria, Greg Madigan, thanked the state government for its support in regional Victoria.
“AFL Victoria thanks the Victorian Government for its ongoing support of community sport in regional areas through the Country Football and Netball Program, which allows us to sustain and grow the game for future generations.”
Victorian Community Sport minister Ros Spence said these grants will ensure clubs have the facilities they deserve close to home.
“Better home ground facilities mean clubs can encourage more participation, host more events, support volunteers, and draw bigger crowds, which can be a major boost for regional economies and the jobs and businesses in those regions,” she said.