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Background report, Community

Engagement Report and first draft

of report

Prepared by K2 Planning February 2014

Draft Report available for

community comment

Prepared by CoGB August 2014

Final report Prepared by CoGB November 2014

Table of Contents

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 1

Background .......................................................................................................................................... 1

The Community .................................................................................................................................... 2

Objectives of the Project ...................................................................................................................... 3

Community engagement ..................................................................................................................... 4

Study area ............................................................................................................................................ 4

Governance .......................................................................................................................................... 5

Best Practice ......................................................................................................................................... 6

Key Findings ......................................................................................................................................... 6

Recommendations ............................................................................................................................... 7

Church Halls ....................................................................................................................................................... 9

Eaglehawk Uniting Church.......................................................................................................................... 10

Eaglehawk Anglican Church Eaglehawk ..................................................................................................... 11

St Jude’s Anglican Church Hall .................................................................................................................... 13

Eaglehawk Baptist Church .......................................................................................................................... 14

Salvation Army Eaglehawk ......................................................................................................................... 15

Community Halls ............................................................................................................................................. 17

California Gully Mechanics Institute .......................................................................................................... 18

Eaglehawk Senior Citizens Centre .............................................................................................................. 20

Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) .......................................................................................... 22

MUIOOF Hall ............................................................................................................................................... 23

Sailors Gully Community Hall ..................................................................................................................... 25

Eaglehawk Town Hall .................................................................................................................................. 27

Eaglehawk Scout & Guide Hall ................................................................................................................... 30

Eaglehawk Brass Band Hall ......................................................................................................................... 31

Community Support Facilities ......................................................................................................................... 33

Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre Inc ....................................................................................................... 34

Eaglehawk Community House .................................................................................................................... 36

Our Shed Community Resource Centre & Our Art Space .......................................................................... 38

Eaglehawk Mechanics Institute .................................................................................................................. 40

Eaglehawk Court House.............................................................................................................................. 42

Education Facilities .......................................................................................................................................... 44

Eaglehawk Preschool .................................................................................................................................. 45

Neangar Preschool Centre.......................................................................................................................... 46

Lightning Reef Early Learning Centre and Primary School ......................................................................... 47

St Liborius Catholic School ......................................................................................................................... 49

Eaglehawk North Primary School ............................................................................................................... 51

Eaglehawk Primary School ......................................................................................................................... 52

Eaglehawk Secondary College .................................................................................................................... 54

Future School Development ....................................................................................................................... 55

Sport & Recreation Facilities ........................................................................................................................... 56

Bendigo BMX Clubroom and Track............................................................................................................. 57

Bendigo and Districts Offroad Radio Controlled Car – Badlands Raceway ................................................ 59

Roy Bateson Tennis Complex ..................................................................................................................... 60

Eaglehawk Badminton & Table Tennis Centre ........................................................................................... 62

Albert Roy Reserve – Home of Bendigo Baseball Association, Scots & Falcons Baseball Clubs ................ 64

California Gully Oval and BMX Track .......................................................................................................... 66

Canterbury Oval & Grandstand .................................................................................................................. 68

Canterbury Gardens ................................................................................................................................... 70

Eaglehawk Bowling Club ............................................................................................................................. 72

Eaglehawk Croquet Club ............................................................................................................................ 74

Peter Krenz Leisure Centre ......................................................................................................................... 76

McKern Skate Park ..................................................................................................................................... 79

Long Gully Recreation Reserve ................................................................................................................... 80

Neangar Park Golf Club .............................................................................................................................. 82

Neangar Park Pony Club ............................................................................................................................. 84

St Jude's Tennis Club Inc. ............................................................................................................................ 86

United Tennis Club ..................................................................................................................................... 87

Truscott Reserve ......................................................................................................................................... 88

Appendix A - Eaglehawk Facilities Map ........................................................................................................... 91

Appendix B - ABS Supporting Data .................................................................................................................. 93

Appendix C - Bus Routes .................................................................................................................................. 97

Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 1

Introduction The Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment (the Project) was undertaken by

the City of Greater Bendigo (CoGB) with the support of the State Government Department of

Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure.

The aim of the Project is to identify:

• What community facilities are located in Eaglehawk and its immediate surrounds;

• To ascertain the current use of the community facilities;

• The potential for increased and/or future use; and

• The needs of the community into the future.

Community facilities are important for the social, economic and cultural life of a community. They

provide gathering places for residents and visitors, and also serve as venues for services and

recreation. CoGB recognises the value of high quality, inclusive, well run and accessible community

facilities that cater for the needs of different groups in the community both now and in the future.

Through this project, CoGB aims to ensure that communities have the space, facilities and

infrastructure needed to accommodate the growing population in Eaglehawk and its surrounding

suburbs. For the purpose of this study, community facilities are defined as facilities provided by

either government or non-government organisations for the benefit of and to be used by the

community. This includes recreation open space, passive open space as well as other structural

facilities.

The facilities in the report are grouped under the headings:

• church halls

• education facilities

• sport and recreation

• community halls

• community support facilities

The map featured in appendix A shows the relationship between all the facilities considered as part

of this project and their relationship to Eaglehawk. It clearly shows a large concentration of facilities

within the central area of Eaglehawk as well as Canterbury Park precinct, Albert Roy Reserve and

Brassey Square Precinct. Neighbourhood houses have been included as they are an integral part of

the community and helps build social connections and capacity as well as provide various support

programs. In total, 43 facilities were included in this study.

Background Greater Bendigo is the major regional centre for northern Victoria and the third largest urban area in

Victoria. It is a vibrant and culturally enriched city renowned for the lifestyle and opportunities it

provides for residents and visitors. It is located 150 kilometres north-west of Melbourne. By 2031

the population is expected to reach 145,600, which sees an average annual growth rate of 1.62%.

Eaglehawk, a suburb within the Greater Bendigo municipality, was a former gold-mining town and is

situated to the north-west of Bendigo CBD on the Loddon Valley Highway.

Historically, Eaglehawk had a strong sense of identity as a township physically separated from

Bendigo and largely self-contained with local employment, shopping and recreation opportunities.

Today, Eaglehawk retains a well-serviced town centre, as well as a strong sense of identity and

community pride, however local needs are increasingly being met by services and facilities beyond

Eaglehawk, particularly central Bendigo. Correspondingly, residents of surrounding areas are drawn


to Eaglehawk to use the various community facilities available, most notably the Peter Krenz Leisure

Centre and the Star Cinema.

Eaglehawk has a number of community facilities within the main centre of Eaglehawk, many of these

facilities are of regional status which is important to the municipality in attracting state and national

competitions and events.

The Community To develop an understanding of the community living in Eaglehawk, a summary of data provided by

the Australian Bureau of Statistics is provided below. Further detail can be found in Appendix B.

On Census night in 2011, the population in the suburb of Eaglehawk was 4,810; 2,338 were males

and 2,472 were females. The median age for people living in Eaglehawk is 39 years and there was an

average of 1.8 children per family. Eaglehawk has a high proportion of families living in the area

compared to the Greater Bendigo municipality. The median weekly household income is $769, the

median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,200 and the median weekly rent is $190.1 By 2031, it is

forecast to be an extra 1,388 people living in Eaglehawk-Eaglehawk North-Sailors Gully. Most of this

growth will occur in the 65 year plus age group but there is some significant growth in the 0-14 year

old age group as well.2

SEIFA Index of Disadvantage measures the relative level of socio-economic disadvantage based on a

range of Census characteristics. A higher score on the index means a lower level of disadvantage. A

lower score on the index means a higher level of disadvantage. Eaglehawk – Eaglehawk North –

Sailors Gully has a SEIFA score of 921.7. In relation to the Greater Bendigo municipality, this is the

third lowest SEIFA score.3

The sense of community in Eaglehawk still remains strong. There is a certain vibe and sense of pride

when talking to the community about their connection to the suburb of Eaglehawk as a place and

the community and also to the history and heritage of the area. This is evident by the activities

undertaken in Eaglehawk compared to other suburbs in Greater Bendigo. Some of these unique

activities and groups include Empowering Eaglehawk, Business Community Network 3556 (BCN

3556) and the Dahlia and Arts Festival.

Social connections for all residents in Eaglehawk are extremely important. A part of being socially

connected is being able to access facilities. As population grows and there are changes in

demographics, the needs of the community will change and this must be recognised.

The community has a long history of working to develop and provide community facilities in

Eaglehawk. Many individuals and organisations are passionate about local facilities and have

contributed to the development of these facilities both in-kind and through capital contributions.

Some of these are detailed below:

• Empowering Eaglehawk gives the people of Eaglehawk the power to make a good idea

happen and to direct money to projects and activities in the Eaglehawk area. Whether it is

to provide support or facilities for young people, families or the elderly; Empowering

Eaglehawk is about making projects a reality.4

1 Australian Bureau of Statistics (2012) 2011 Census QuickStats [online]. Available:

http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2011/quickstat/SSC20429?opendocument&navpo

s=220 2 .id (2013) Population and Age Structure [online]. Available: http://forecast.id.com.au/bendigo/population-age-

structure?WebID=110

3 .id (2011) SEIFA – Disadvantage [online]. Available: http://profile.id.com.au/bendigo/seifa-disadvantage?es=2 4 http://www.empoweringeaglehawk.org.au/


• BCN 3556 is a group of like-minded people with a shared interest in improving the lives of

people in Eaglehawk. Business owners, community groups, Not for Profit Group’s and

community members make up this group with a shared interest in improving the lives of

people in Eaglehawk. BCN3556 is also the operator of the website

www.eaglehawk3556.com.au which is designed to provide information regarding businesses

and services in Eaglehawk. They also run workshops, seminars and retailer promotions as

well as being an excellent network.5

• Bendigo Community Health Services has a centre in Eaglehawk. The centre offers a range of

programs and activities and is well utilised by the Eaglehawk community and has a strong

presence.

• The Dahlia and Arts Festival began in 1972 as an initiative of a group of Eaglehawk citizens

intending to promote the then Borough of Eaglehawk by the way of a championship Dahlia

Flower Show and mass planting of Dahlias in Canterbury Park. Enthusiastic community

support led to the introduction of a street procession and art show to be included in the

festival. The Festival is totally voluntarily organised and conducted by a committee

comprising of representatives of numerous community bodies.6 The CoGB provides funding

for the event.

• The Eaglehawk Community also has a long serving and heavily community based fire

brigade. With nearly 85 members, the brigade is involved in the Dahlia and Arts Festival,

Easter Parade and Christmas parties around the local area.

• The Borough Club supports local groups with funding for locals activities. The Club also has

function rooms for hire.

Heritage is a factor impacting on the current provision of community facilities in Eaglehawk. As a

township with a long and rich social and architectural history, Eaglehawk has a number of significant

buildings that are listed as heritage buildings and protected by overlays. These protections ensure

the ongoing value and community benefits of heritage in the Eaglehawk area.

Objectives of the Project The objectives of the project are to understand current and likely future uses and needs of

community facilities in and around the suburb of Eaglehawk. This was done by:

• Identify need for community facility growth based on current, emerging and projected

demand;

• Identify location, size, inclusions, accessibility, the role of the facility within a wider, regional

context (eg. sporting grounds), use and users of all community facilities in the Eaglehawk

area;

• Identify planned upgrades, demolitions, additions and ongoing maintenance costs;

• Identify and investigate effective tenancy arrangements;

• Identify opportunities and barriers of current facilities;

• Using the Building Asset Management Plan as the basis, undertake an assessment and rating

of all facilities which includes a condition rating, risk rating, importance rating and

functionality rating; and

5 http://www.eaglehawk3556.com.au/about.php

6 http://www.dahlia.bendigo.net.au/Eaglehawk_Dahlia_and_Arts/Program_%26_Entry_Forms.html


• Evaluate the alignment of facilities against community needs.

The objective around tenancy arrangements has been identified as still needing further work and is

listed in the recommendations.

Community engagement The community engagement undertaken as part of this project included a range of activities.

These included:

• Project Steering Group

• Stakeholder Interviews

• Listening Posts

• Project Survey (one for facility owners/managers and one for facility users)

• Community Workshop

There were also two project bulletins sent out to key stakeholders and the community and web page

was also updated throughout the progress of the project. All of the consultation methods were well

attended or responded too; 21 facility owners and 31 facility users completed the survey; 80 people

attended the listening posts and 24 stakeholder interviews were conducted.

The engagement outcomes were used to inform the key findings and recommendations of the

project and all engagement and communications informing the project were conducted on

accordance with the values and behaviours promoted in the CoGB Community Engagement Policy.

The community engagement from the various consultation methods was broad and varied. There

were concerns over accessibility, maintenance, and the need for renovations as well as information

about the extent to which some of the facilities are used and how important they are to the

community.

Survey results are available on the website at

http://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/Residents_and_Services/Strategy_Unit/Current_Projects/Eaglehawk

_Community_Facilities_Audit.

Study area The study area for this project primarily looked at the suburb of Eaglehawk. As the area surrounding

Eaglehawk is densely populated, it was also important to look just beyond the Eaglehawk suburb

boundary into neighbouring suburbs to see if any facilities located on the periphery serviced the

Eaglehawk community. Some facilities located in Long Gully, California Gully and Sailors Gully have

also been incorporated into this study as they have been identified as having a key connection with

Eaglehawk groups and community.


Map 1 – Study area

Governance The Governance of the Project included an internal steering group. The role of the project steering

group was to oversee and monitor project progress and the achievement of key milestones as

negotiated as well as provide guidance and direction to the Project Consultants.

Project Steering Group members comprised of the following people:

Name Title Organisation

David Williamson Social Planner and Project Manager (until

January 2014)

City of Greater Bendigo

Romina Lougoon Social Planner and Project Manager (May 2014 -

ongoing)


Aaron Lindsay Coordinator Landscape & Open Space Planning City of Greater Bendigo

Deb Simpson Coordinator Connecting Communities City of Greater Bendigo

Gary Lantzsch Landscape Architect City of Greater Bendigo

Glynn Jarrett Community Development Officer City of Greater Bendigo

Jim Weymouth Project Officer Building and Property City of Greater Bendigo

Julia Deleyev Projects Coordinator Building & Property

Services


Lincoln Fitzgerald Coordinator Active Communities City of Greater Bendigo

Lindy Wilson Social Planner City of Greater Bendigo

Mark Stubbs Senior Strategic Planner City of Greater Bendigo

Andrew Cockerall Coordinator Strategic Planning City of Greater Bendigo

Consultant Team

Dr Kate Kerkin Director K2 Planning

Judy Casey Associate K2 Planning

Rhys Rappel Architect Rappel Design Studio


Best Practice Best practice approaches to planning community facilities currently promote multi-purpose

community facilities or ‘hubs’ that respond to a range of community needs and can encourage

shared delivery of services. The overarching aim in planning for best practice community

infrastructure is to ensure that community facilities are integrated and well-coordinated.

Best practice examples show that community facilities that support and promote community

connection have a range of distinct features including:

• flexible and adaptable design/floor plans

• shared internal and external spaces

• co-location with other activities and spaces; and

• availability for use by a wide range of groups, promoting intergenerational activities and

connections.

The CoGB is not the first Council to conduct a community facilities needs assessment. One Council

located in NSW conducted a similar exercise to this project and the objectives were similar so it was

important to look at their process and findings. Willoughby City Council conducted a facilities audit

in 2003 to ascertain gaps in provision of community facilities, ways to optimise use of community

assets to better meet community needs, priorities for asset consolidation and future community

facility requirements. The audit looked at existing community facilities including community centres,

churches, sporting ovals, schools, registered clubs, sports clubs and registered halls.

Sixty seven facilities were included in the audit and the process involved inspection of the premises,

an interview with a representative of the organisation, and community survey to seek feedback on

the provision of community facilities. Some of the key findings included:

• There is a general lack of community facilities oriented to young people;

• Church halls are utilised for play groups and pre-schools although specialised function or

design can limit capacity of a venue to be used for other purposes;

• Cost of hiring some facilities have become problematic for some users of the community

especially the elderly; and

• Nearly half of the audited facilities were not accessible to people with physical disabilities.

Key Findings After undertaking background research and community engagement on each facility included in this

project, the key findings showed the barriers, opportunities and future needs relating to community

facilities in Eaglehawk.

Barriers to accessing facilities were highlighted in the community engagement. Some of the key

barriers identified included cost, quality of the facility, access to and around the facility, safety

concerns, lack of public transport to some facilities, lack of awareness of the existence of and

information regarding the facility and use is not encouraged to broader members of the community.

Some opportunities that were identified for various facilities included shared use, develop

partnerships, facility maintenance, funding, raising awareness of facilities available, build on existing

community strengths and social connections, where possible look at the surrounding area of a

facility not just the specific facility in itself and improved equity by providing access to quality

facilities for all members of the community. These barriers and opportunities need to be taken into

consideration when looking at current and future facilities in Eaglehawk.


By looking at the barriers and opportunities above, future needs were identified. Eaglehawk is well

serviced in relation to all types of facilities included in this project. Majority of facilities are well

utilised, however improvement to knowledge of facilities and their availability is critical to ensure

they continue to be utilised to their capacity.

Provision ratios are a planning tool that allows Council’s to determine their indicative community

infrastructure requirements. It essentially looks at the current supply of each facility type (eg. Active

open space, community meeting spaces) in the study area, the projected population change over

time and applies it to a set of provision ratios. For example the provision ratio for small community

meeting spaces is 1 venue for every 20,000 people. In 2016, Eaglehawk’s forecast population is

10,351 so it means there needs to be 2.6 small community meeting spaces to service the

community.

When looking at provision ratios for the future in relation to community facilities, Eaglehawk is well

serviced in the areas of community meeting spaces, youth facilities and active open space reserves

until 2031 if projected population increase occurs. In relation to kindergarten and day care spaces,

spaces will need to be reviewed in the near future as population forecast for the early years

continues to increase.

Recommendations The recommendations that have come out of this project are listed below. Not all facilities have

recommendations as they are either not CoGB owned facilities or there is no recommendation for

the facility due to various reasons.

No. Recommendation

1 Review service agreement of clubs using CoGB facilities to gain a better understanding of

membership, use, lease and governance.

2 Raise community awareness that the community directory page on the CoGB website is

available for community use.

3 Encourage all facility committees/owners to add and/or update the contact details of their

facility on the CoGB community directory.

4 Use this report to help set priorities in relation to upgrade works to CoGB owned facilities.

5 Continue investigating alternative locations for the BMX club where shared use of existing

infrastructure can be facilitated or consider retention of the BMX track at Albert Roy Reserve

in light of a master plan for the site.

6 Consider the future use and development of the Badlands Raceway track in the context of a

site specific master plan.

7 Where opportunities exist, improve aesthetics and amenity of the Badlands Raceway Track for

visitors, spectators and participants.

8 As part of a forward works program, include design and survey of the Roy Bateson Tennis

Complex to determine the most effective and efficient upgrade of court surface to comply

with current standards.

9 Investigate ways to increase use of the pavilion, as a condition of investing in upgrades, at the

Roy Bateson Tennis Complex.

10 Continue the City’s asset management program at the Table Tennis and Badminton Centre.

11 Continue to seek upgrade of the baseball pavilion at the Eaglehawk Baseball Club at Albert Roy


Reserve.

12 Consider the development of an additional baseball pitch and other improvements as part of a

master plan for the site.

13 Schedule refurbishment of the California Gully BMX dirt jumps as part of the future Capital

Works considerations.

14 Work with all croquet clubs in Bendigo to determine memberships, asset condition and a

sustainable facility provision model.

15 Complete a review of the scale and function of Peter Krenz Leisure Centre in light of the

proposed facility at Kangaroo Flat.

16 Develop a priority list of works to prioritise and stage upgrade of the Peter Krenz facility to

modern standards.

17 Review and if appropriate, modernise the management agreement for Peter Krenz Leisure

Centre to provide clear roles/responsibilities between the operator and Council. The

management agreement should more clearly articulate the contractors need to deliver upon

Council’s objectives and provide detailed reports on the services provided.

18 Review croquet participation in Bendigo across the existing facilities and examine the

sustainability of the Eaglehawk Croquet Club. If appropriate, include the land currently used

for croquet in any planning for Peter Krenz Leisure Centre.

19 Undertake a Feasibility Study regarding an additional soccer field at Truscott Reserve.

20 Continue to implement the Eaglehawk Open Space Precinct Master Plan.

21 As per action 3.0 in the Eaglehawk Structure Plan, prepare a Masterplan for Albert Roy Reserve

and take into consideration recommendations 5, 6, 7 and 12 in this report.


Church Halls


Eaglehawk Uniting Church7

Facility

Eaglehawk Uniting Church, Peg Leg Road, Eaglehawk

Description

The church is made of red brick and a more modern hall/multi-function centre is located beside it. It

is owned by the Eaglehawk Uniting Church.

Current Use

The Eaglehawk Uniting Church conducts weekly morning and evening church services and

Cornerstone (formerly Sunday School) on Sundays as well as regular playgroup sessions, Youth

groups, Bible study, Church Council and Men’s & Women’s Groups,

Regular monthly meetings include Men’s Coffee & Conversation, Women’s Activity Group, Women’s

Monday Morning Chat, Pub Lunch, Church Council, Elm Cluster Council, MAGs (Missionary Action

Group). Other meetings include a six monthly Congregational meeting (similar to AGM), Quarterly

Property Committee meetings and Wedderburn Link - A combined activity (Wedderburn &

Eaglehawk) is usually organised each quarter.

Community comment

There are no community comments from the engagement process on this facility.

Audit Findings

No audit conducted on this facility

Proposed Future Use/Works

This is not a facility that is owned or managed by COGB therefore future use and works will be

determined by the facility operators.

Key Findings

• The church hall is used extensively by various community groups.

7 http://www.eaglehawk.unitingchurch.org.au/


Eaglehawk Anglican Church8

Facility

Eaglehawk Anglican Church, Cnr High and Church St, Eaglehawk

Description

The present St Peter's Church replaced an earlier stone building opened in 1863. It was designed by

vestryman H.E. Tolhurst and opened in 1874. It is constructed of brick but the lofty nave in the

Gothic style was never completed to its envisaged length; more recently a modern hall has been

built next to the church. The Anglican Church of Australia is the committee of management for this

facility.

Current Use

Eaglehawk Anglican Church has a weekly traditional Sunday morning service and a more modern

Sunday evening gathering. Community groups such as Our Place Minstrels, Mother Goose

playgroup, MESH Youth group and the Our Shed Community breakfast utilise the facilities each

week. Saltworks is a community resource that also operates onsite and consists of 3 main programs.

Saltworks Pantry is a food assistance program that is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Saltworks Community Mean is a free two course hot meal each Friday night. Eaglehawk Community

Hands on Health offers allied health services such as massage, chiropractic care, physiotherapy,

naturopathy and bowen therapy for a gold coin donation. Various other community support groups

and craft groups also utilise the facilities each week.

Community comment


Audit Findings

No audit was conducted on the facility.




8 http://www.bendigoanglican.org.au/parishes/eaglehawk.html


Key Findings

• Various community groups use the hall as well as groups who provide services to the

Eaglehawk community.


St Jude’s Anglican Church Hall

Facility

St Jude’s Anglican Church, 107 Upper California Gully Rd, California Gully

Description

The church is a historic gothic red brick church and hall is located next to it. It is owned by St Jude’s

Church.

Current Use

The church and hall are owned by the church is unavailable for hire. At the time of writing the

property was in the process of being sold.

Community comment


Audit Findings

No audit was conducted on this facility


This is not a facility that is owned or managed by CoGB therefore future use and works will be


Key Findings

• The hall is unavailable for hire.


Eaglehawk Baptist Church9

Facility

Eaglehawk Baptist Church, Parsonage Grove, Eaglehawk

Description

The building is one big open space and comfortably sits 130 people (with the platform / pulpit at the

front). The inside of the hall is completely refurbished and has kitchen facilities that could cater for a

small group. It is wheelchair friendly, has new toilets, and, also contains projectors and sound

equipment that allows it to cater for business hire. The facility is owned by the Bendigo Baptist

Church.

Current Use

There is one church service conducted at the church at 9:30am on Sundays.

The hall is available for hire for social or business purposes but strictly alcohol free for any event.

Community comment


Audit Findings

No audit was conducted on this facility.




Key Findings

• The facility has recently been refurbished and is available for hire.

9 http://www.buv.com.au/witness/entry/parsonage-grove-baptist-eaglehawk


Salvation Army Eaglehawk10

Facility

The Salvation Army, 51 Church Street, Eaglehawk.

Description

The hall was built on land owned by The Sandhurst Mutual Permanent Investment and Building

Society, with the Army taking full possession of it on the 18th June 1896. It is believed that the hall

was the first wholly owned and built for The Salvation Army in Australia, with three walls

constructed from brick and the back wall constructed from weatherboards, allowing for expansion if

it was ever needed. It, along with the Brunswick Corps, is the only two Corps in the Australia

Southern Territory that still remains in their original buildings. Further renovation works were

conducted over the years, with a major renovation being undertaken in 2004, where the hall was

completed gutted and refurbished, with new offices, toilets, storeroom, kitchen and worship area. It is owned by the Salvation Army Property Trust.

Current Use

Weekly Sunday church services are conducted at 10.00am. The hall is open from 10:00am until

2:00pm Tuesday to Friday. Prayer meeting day is Wednesdays at 9.30am at the hall. Kid’s Club is

conducted from 3.00 – 4.30pm on Wednesday afternoons in the Eaglehawk Hall. It is a safe place for

primary school children to play games, have a snack, tell stories and do crafts.

Community comment

The Salvation Army Hall is open from 10.00am – 2.00pm Tuesday to Friday to conduct activities and

programs and anyone is welcome to drop in for a cuppa and a chat. Services and support are

provided for people who can’t get to the centre; someone will call out and see them.

Audit Findings





10

http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/eaglehawk


Key Findings

• Recently renovated, the Salvation Army Hall offers activities and programs to the

community. These range from Kid’s Club to a space for people to drop in for a cuppa and a

chat.


Community Halls


California Gully Mechanics Institute11

Facility

California Gully Mechanics Institute, 8 School Street, California Gully

Description

This building was built in 1861 and contains various meeting and storage rooms, a large sealed car

park and three garages off the car park, one that is used by the Eaglehawk Rotary Club and the

others rented out to two other Rotary Clubs. The facility is owned by CoGB and the Rotary Club is

Committee of Management.

11

http://www.countryvicbootscooter.com/blackhorselinedancers.htm

http://portal.clubrunner.ca/10631/


Current Use

The California Gully Mechanics Institute is home to the Eaglehawk Rotary Club and is used regularly

by a variety of other clubs:

Monday – Eaglehawk Probus meetings are held on the second Monday of the month at 10.00am.

Tuesday - Black Horse Line dancers - 12.00 - 9.30pm

Wednesday night – Eaglehawk Rotary Club and Indoor carpet bowls

Thursday – Timor Leste – Maubisse Friendship Group

Friday - Every Friday afternoon the facility is used by Benetas, the aged care facility that adjoins the

property, for various activities including singing, a Spring Ball and a Fashion Show. There is

occasional use by Benetas other days of the week when it is available.

It is used by the Timor Leste – Maubisse Friendship Group who meet regularly and also the Dahlia &

Arts Festival organisers who use it annually during the first week of March.

Community comment

Renovations are currently being undertaken – toilets have been relocated indoors and work on the

subfloor ventilation and the kitchen is nearly up to standard.

Timor Leste - Maubisse Friendship Group meet at Rotary Hall - It's a brilliant facility. Rotary Club

want to install ADSL broadband internet to make better use of facility to improve services available

to hall hirers. It would be nice to have the community using it. It can be and will be used a lot more -

just need to let the community know that it is available for older people's events, weddings, small

conferences, fund raising and arts, play groups

Audit Findings

The exterior of the building is in reasonable condition considering its age and was recently re-roofed.

The interior of the building was fully refurbished in 2005. There are adequate parking provisions and

is in reasonable walking distance to public transport routes.

Sub floor ventilation works were completed in 2013.


Demolition of existing and construction of new toilet amenities to be undertaken in 2014/15 as well

as new landing and steps to side, new door canopy and eight new timber framed double hung

windows.

Key Findings

• Fully refurbished in 2005, the California Gully Mechanics Institute is home to the Eaglehawk

Rotary Club and it used regularly by other groups.

• Improvements want to be made to the facility (like installing broadband internet) to make it

more attractive for hire.

• There is availability for other groups to use the facility yet some work needs to be done

around the community knowing that the facility exists.


Eaglehawk Senior Citizens Centre12

Facility

Eaglehawk Senior Citizens Centre, 6 Darling Street, Eaglehawk

Description

Built in 1975, this cream brick veneer building with an assortment of rooms located at the rear of the

historic precinct of Eaglehawk. There is a large open space car park with 10 grass-crete spaces and a

service road between Sailors Gully Road and Darling Street. It is a purpose facility with spaces that

contain activities but lacks usable outdoor space. The Co GB is committee of management.

12

http://humanservicesdirectory.vic.gov.au/SiteDetails.aspx?SiteID=34662


Current Use

Eaglehawk Senior Citizens - a meeting place and drop in centre providing social support and

recreational activities for people aged over 55 years. Fees $1.50 per visit

Facility is booked Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays all day.

Eaglehawk Senior Citizens Club meets Wednesdays and Fridays at 1.15pm for Carpet Bowls,

Bingo and Cards. Bingo is also held on Friday nights.

Eaglehawk Senior Citizens Old Time Dance Club holds weekly dances on Thursday nights from

8.00pm – 11.00pm and an annual ball in September.

Eaglehawk Linedancers use the facility on Monday and Friday nights from 7.45pm – 9.45pm.

There is a small library in the bingo room. Country & Western days that are held at the centre are

well patronised.

Community comment

The building needs an upgrade, the side step is in need of repair and landscaping improvements are

needed. There are no all abilities access toilets at the venue.

Plenty of members are coming in and facility use and hire is almost at capacity.

There are concerns about damage by other groups using the facilities and the mess left afterwards.

Prior Council review shows senior citizen centres are struggling through lack of attraction of new

members but the Eaglehawk Senior Citizens club think that they are the “Happiest club in Victoria”.

Happy to hire out the facility for hire out for 21st and parties but with NO alcohol.

Audit Findings

The interior and exterior of the building are in good condition with some improvements needed in

the future. There is level access throughout but there isn’t a dedicated all abilities access toilet. It is

located on the edge of reasonable walking distance to public transport routes and stops. Better

signage and connections are needed.


Disabled access was recently upgraded. General maintenance will continue with no immediate plans

to upgrade any part of the facility.

Key Findings

• Booked 5 out of 7 days a week, the Senior Citizens Centre is extensively used.

• The group is happy for it to be hired out but with some conditions (eg. No alcohol).

• An audit found the building to be in good condition but some improvements will be needed

in the future.

• There isn’t a dedicated all access toilet.


Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes

(RAOB)13

Facility

RAOB, 15 Haggar Street, Eaglehawk

Description

The RAOB Hall was originally the Long Gully Fire Station, then a car mechanics workshop and a

bakery before becoming the RAOB Hall. It is privately owned.

Current Use

Eaglehawk-Kangaroo Flat Lodge No 169 meets fortnightly. Sandhurst Degree Guild No. 2 meets

January, March, May, July, September, November prior to first meeting of Eaglehawk Kangaroo Flat

Lodge in that month.

The hall has a kitchen and toilet facilities and is not available for general public use.

Community comment


Audit Findings





Key Findings

• The hall is not available for general public use.

13

http://www.raobgrandlodgeofvictoriagle.com/upcoming_functions.html


MUIOOF Hall14

Facility

Manchester Unity Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 24-26 High Street, Eaglehawk

Description

The Odd Fellows Hall is situated in the main street of Eaglehawk. The foundation stone was laid

December 21, 1904. The brick hall was designed by Keogh and Austen, with two rooms at the front,

one used as a shop front and a hall 56 feet long. The building is used for entertainment, meetings

and gatherings, and is hired out for private functions. The building is open to the public upon

request. The facility is owned by COGB and Empowering Eaglehawk is Committee of Management.

Current Use

At present the Eaglehawk Secondary College use the front rooms of the MUIOOF building to hold

daily classes for the Outreach Education Program. 3556 magazine is published quarterly by the

students who attend classes at the MUIOOF building. Desktop publishing is produced for some

clubs/businesses in Eaglehawk. The Hall Committee hold meets every three months. Priority use is

14

http://www.eaglehawkheritagesociety.com.au/muioof-hall


the Lodge then the School. The hall is used by the Dahlia & Arts Festival during March for displays by

the local Cornish Association.

Community comment

Stakeholder noted that: It is preferred that short term maintenance work is done on the kitchen and

toilets as much as can be expended from the budget.

The hall does not have an all abilities access toilet, the kitchen is old and needs to be refurbished,

there needs more area for storage. There is not much awareness of the hall and it is not marketed

or promoted well. At present it is hard to promote with current kitchen and step at front door.

Many people are not aware of its existence and availability. For financial reasons and the upkeep of

the hall it needs to be used more.

Audit Findings

The external condition of the building is in reasonable condition considering the age of the building.

The internal spaces are in need of some attention. It is not fully accessible although there are

options to improve it. The Youth Space is innovative though the Hall is restrictive and under-used.


A roof audit has been scheduled for 2014/2015 and design works for kitchen and accessible toilet

upgrade/refurbishment.

Key Findings

• The front rooms of the building are used by Eaglehawk Secondary School who publish the

3556 Magazine.

• The Hall space is restrictive and underused, the kitchen needs an upgrade and an all abilities

access toilet installed.

• The availability of the facility needs to be promoted.


Sailors Gully Community Hall15

Facility

Sailors Gully Community Hall, 1A Growler Street, Sailors Gully

Description

The Sailors Gully Community Hall has a kitchen, toilet facilities and a large hall. It is owned by COGB

and Eaglehawk Lions Club is Committee of Management and they look after the Hall.

Current Use

Regular meetings are held by the Lions Club of Eaglehawk on Tuesday evenings.

15

http://eaglehawk.vic.lions.org.au/

http://www.countryvicbootscooter.com/socials-country-vic-2014


The Outlaw Bootscooters have regular bookings every week on Mondays, Wednesdays and

Thursdays during the day and evening.

The hall is available for hire although the hall is hired out most Saturdays for garage sales, 21st

birthdays, reunions, 30th birthdays so is very well utilised.

There is also a medium size meeting space.

Community comment

Stakeholder noted that: Lighting may need to be updated soon. Air conditioner needs an upgrade or

to be replaced, there is only one security light near the back entrance which is a potential safety

issue. Landscaping for car park has not been completed. Kitchen needs a major upgrade to

functional standards. To create revenue hire fees could be increased, need to upgrade chairs &

tables, and upgrade lighting. Heater upgrade, more security lighting is also needed. Currently being

used as often as possible but can still squeeze in a few more bookings.

Audit Findings

Built in 1955 and refurbished in 1996, this hall is in reasonable condition with serviced areas in most

need of an upgrade. There are small steps at the entry of the hall and between the kitchen and the

main hall space which could prove difficult for some people to access. It is within a Heritage Overlay

area and an Area of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Sensitivity Overlay. It is remote from public

transport and Eaglehawk but is situated in an area to serve the needs of the Sailor’s Gully

community.

Proposed Future Uses/Works

The community engagement highlighted opportunity for upgrade of chairs, tables and lighting.

Key Findings

• The Hall is very well utilised but more bookings are welcome.

• Some upgrades have been identified including lighting, air conditioner and kitchen.

• Some accessibility issues to enter that hall.

• It is not situated near public transport routes.


Eaglehawk Town Hall16

Facility

Eaglehawk Town Hall, Brassey Square, Eaglehawk

Description

The historic Eaglehawk Town Hall is situated in the historic precinct of Eaglehawk. The current

structure was not the first Town Hall which was a single story building built in 1864-1865. The

current Town Hall was built in 1901 and was designed by Wilkinson and Permewan. It is a two story

structure with a large hall and offices on the ground floor and another large meeting space upstairs.

The Town Hall is of State significance in relation to its heritage value and is classed as a regional

facility. CoGB is Committee of Management for the facility.

Downstairs Floor Plan

16 http://www.starcinema.org.au/


Upstairs Floor Plan

Current Use

The Star Cinema has been run by CoM and Volunteers (approx. 50.) since 2005, prior to which it had

been privately owned and operated since 1999. The Dahlia and Arts Festival operates within and

around the Town Hall yearly in March, for a period of up to 10 days, which includes a debutante ball.

The Dinki DI Old Time Bush Ball is also held yearly in September in the Eaglehawk Town Hall.

The Star Cinema’s future was threatened for a time due to a fundamental technological change in

how films are delivered. They managed to raise the funds necessary to purchase digital equipment

through both government funding, as well as raising significant donations from local businesses and

individuals.

Community comment

There is no possibility of sharing the ground floor rooms with other users as the couches need to be

moved. Re-arranging the couches is the biggest logistical challenge as the front right room is needed

for storage of these when the main floor is being used. If the front right room is being used the

couches have nowhere to go and the main floor cannot be used by the community. There does not

seem to be a great demand for use by other community members. A community run café would

work well or a little restaurant as there is nowhere to go before and after the movies.

Recently the Star Cinema raised enough money to purchase a digital projector.

A community member noted that this facility was too expensive to hire.

Audit Findings

The building is well maintained and in very good condition. Due to the age and heritage value of the

building constant attention is required. There is reasonable access except from the theatre balcony.

It is in walking distance to public transport and other facilities. It is of high heritage value and the

space functions well.


Eaglehawk Town Hall Project Committee are working together to determine priorities of ongoing

projects works in relation to the preservation of the building.


Future works include precinct landscaping and drainage design works, conservation work to the

roof, flag pole and lightning arrestor and a five year priority works schedule currently being

discussed and prepared for Precinct works.

Key Findings

• There are logistical issues if other groups want to use the ground floor due to the couches

needing to be moved and stored.

• Due to its heritage value, restoration work is of high importance.

• The upstairs area is available for use and hire by community groups.


Eaglehawk Scout & Guide Hall17

Facility

Eaglehawk Scout & Guide Hall, 47 Simpsons Road, Eaglehawk

Description

Single story brick veneer building approx. 20 years old. The building is owned by the Scout

Association and is on unreserved Crown land leased to the Scout Association.

Current Use

Eaglehawk Scouts (Cub Pack, Scout Troop and Venturer Unit) use the Hall on a Tuesday, Wednesday

and Thursday night. On a Friday and Wednesday the hall is used by Amicus Disability Group for

activities.

The hall has been recently refurbished with money provided by the State Government. Some

upgrades included painting floors, installation of new heater, refurbished the toilets and removed

asbestos. A new stove and rangehood have also been installed.

Scout Hall Reserve in Simpsons Road is a designated off lead place to exercise dogs.

Community comment

Available for hire or functions but the kitchen needs an upgrade.

Public are concerned about the idea of an off leash dog exercise area beside the hall.

Audit Findings



There are no proposed future works for this facility.

Key Findings

• Kitchen has been identified as needing an upgrade.

• The hall has the availability to be used more.

17

http://www.vicscouts.com.au/eaglehawk-1st.html


The Hall has recently undergone some refurbishments.

Eaglehawk Brass Band Hall18

Facility

Eaglehawk Brass Band Hall, Peg Leg Road, Eaglehawk

Description

The Brass Band Hall has a Conference Room and Main Hall which are both available for hire all year

round except when the band is practising. The conference room has table and chairs, tea and coffee

making facilities, a projector and separate toilet. The main hall has a sound system and can seat 80-

100 people. A new commercial kitchen was fitted last year. This facility is privately owned.

Current Use

Weekly rehearsals are held at the hall on a Thursday evening from 7.30 - 9.30pm where anyone is

always welcome who would like to join the band or just come along to listen. The local RSL branch

also has meetings at the venue. The venue is used for the annual arts exhibition as part of the

Eaglehawk Dahlia & Arts Festival during the long weekend and the Brass & woodwind solo, band

solo & ensemble competitions are held the following weekend also as part of the Eaglehawk Dahlia

& Arts Festival. The band performs concerts at the hall and at other various venues in the City of

Greater Bendigo.

Community comment

The hall was recently upgraded which included disabled access, a new front room (which will be a

community meeting room), extension of the band room and upgraded kitchen and toilets.

It could be used for conferences in future.

It is hard to locate.

Audit Findings



There are no proposed future works for this facility.

18

http://eaglehawkbrassband.org.au/Contact


Key Findings

• The hall has recently been upgraded with disabled access, kitchen and toilet.

• Meeting room and hall are available for hire.

• Signage to locate the hall needs to be improved. the local community with music since 1884. We have weekly rehearsals on a Thursday evening


Community Support Facilities


Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre Inc19

Facility

Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre Inc, 52 – 54 Derwent Drive, Long Gully

Description

Neighbourhood houses are at the heart of local communities, providing a diverse range

of activities and programs in response to the needs of the community. As a result, neighbourhood

houses are a universal service that support people at all stages of life.

Neighbourhood Houses promote a sense of belonging and helps reduce social isolation. They strive

to work in partnership to make the community a better place to live and promote the principals of

equity, access and participation. They are also reliant on volunteers to operate and a funded

coordinator has just started. This facility is owned by CoGB.

Current Use

This facility is open Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.30pm.

There are a range of programs and activities that are delivered at the Neighbourhood Centre. Some

of these include:

• Chat and Chew

• Information and Referral

• Volunteer Training

• Mature Mates Maintenance

• Garden Maintenance Equipment Hire

• Homework Group (Secondary School)

• School Holiday Program

• Youth Activities

• Tax Help

Rooms are also available for hire.

Providence Court Community Centre has a strong connection to the Long Gully Neighbourhood

Centre and Youth Space situated beside the Menshed in Long Gully especially in relation to youth

19

https://www.facebook.com/lgncinc


activities. Some other programs offered at this facility include Mother Goose and Community

Kitchen.

Community Comment


Audit Findings


Proposed Future Works/Use

The City of Greater Bendigo has previously supported Neighbourhood Houses through the

Community Grants funding program. This opportunity still exists and CoGB provides support to

community organisations to help seek funding opportunities.

Key Findings

• There are a range of programs and activities available to the community.

• There are strong connections between this facility and those located at Providence Court

and Youth Space.


Eaglehawk Community House20

Facility

Eaglehawk Community House, 19 Bright Street, Eaglehawk

Description

The Eaglehawk Community House is a service to the community that seeks to nurture and support

people to develop and maintain good health and wellbeing.

Neighbourhood houses are at the heart of local communities, providing a diverse range

of activities and programs in response to the needs of the community. As a result, neighbourhood

houses are a universal service that support people at all stages of life.

Neighbourhood Houses promote a sense of belonging and helps reduce social isolation. They strive

to work in partnership to make the community a better place to live and promote the principals of

equity, access and participation. This facility is owned by Bendigo Regional YMCA Youth Services Inc.

Current Use

The Eaglehawk Community House has recently moved to this location and facilitates a range daytime

programs and evening classes from Monday to Thursday including craft group, pantry bingo, creative

movement for kids, digital photography and film making club. The house provides social support,

training classes, community meals, school holiday programs, First Aid Training. A weekly Horizon

House community meal is served on Tuesday evenings. There can be 400-500 attendances/month at

the Community House with participants coming from other areas of Bendigo or through transient

population. The Community House also organises a range of events and meetings that are held at

other locations in Eaglehawk including Sailors Gully Hall, Long Gully Community Centre, Providence

Court Community Centre and the schools and is heavily reliant on volunteers to operate.

Community comment


20

http://www.eaglehawkcommunityhouse.com/activities/


Audit Findings



The City of Greater Bendigo has previously supported Neighbourhood Houses through the

Community Grants funding program. This opportunity still exists and CoGB provides support to

community organisations to help seek funding opportunities.

Key Findings

• The Eaglehawk Community House facilitates a range of activities and has a high attendance

per month.


Our Shed Community Resource Centre &

Our Art Space21

Facility

Our Shed Community Resource Centre and Our Art Space, 12 - 14 Sailors Gully Road EAGLEHAWK

Description

The left hand side of the property has two sheds located on site. The front site is where the kindling

machine is located and the back shed is where they hold workshops and other building services, in

this shed is also a small kitchenette.

The art space is an old house that contains a kitchen, inside toilet, an office, a lounge room, a long

corridor and a front room. The long corridor and the front room are used for the art workshops and

displaying of art. The front room is also used as a meeting space when visitors come to the shed, it is

a very informal space that can only be used when workshops aren’t taking place. The lounge room is

used as a cool down station when participants need an area to be by themselves to chill out. This

facility is privately owned.

Current Use

Our Shed & Twelve Shed Arts is a community resource centre located on Sailors Gully road in

Eaglehawk. Our Shed, is an environment where individuals of all abilities have the opportunity to

interact regularly with others and feel a sense of equality and belonging within themselves and the

premises.

Our Shed has many programs that specialise in giving purpose to individuals of all abilities. The main

program is the kindling enterprise, which involves a step-by-step process of recycling old wooden

pallets into kindling for domestic use. The kindling is then sold in hardware stores in the local

community and surrounding areas. This is achieved by men who regularly attend the shed working

with volunteers from a local disability service provider. However, the kindling enterprise is only one

aspect of Our Shed. Twelve Shed Arts is a program where individuals of all abilities can come and

21

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Our-Shed/151511564908415


share the space with other participants. The work created by the artists has the possibility to be

showcased in a gallery setting or photographed and placed onto gift cards to be sold to the public, in

which the artist shares part of the profit.

Regular wood workshops take place throughout the week with local school children and other

disability service providers. A garden is also located within the premises where participants can help

water and maintain the plants to get them ready to be sold at the monthly plant sale.

Opening hours:

Monday: 9am – 4pm

Tuesday: 9am – 4pm

Wednesday: 9am – 4pm

Thursday: CLOSED

Friday: 9am – 4pm

Saturday: CLOSED

Sunday: CLOSED

Community comment

Running out of room as it is continually growing. It’s not like other men sheds which do woodwork

and gardening. People can do whatever they want to do there. There is plenty for young people to

do and a male nurse has come to the Shed and helped out.

Audit Findings



There is no proposed future works for this facility.

Key Findings

• Our Shed has many and varied programs available.

Other Mensheds in the area include:

Menshed

Long Gully Rec Reserve Cunneen St

This Menshed is open five days a week and the building includes a small kitchen and meeting space.

RSL Sheds – Bendigo

73-75 Havilah Road, Bendigo

A key focus of this organisation is to advance the wellbeing and health of its members and to

encourage social inclusion through a range of projects.

In future planning, the location and close proximity to Eaglehawk need to be considered and taken

into account.


Eaglehawk Mechanics Institute22

Facility

Eaglehawk Mechanics Institute Hall, 1 Sailors Gully Road, Eaglehawk

Description

The library service operating from the Mechanics Institute Hall has historic significance as the

Eaglehawk Library is the only working Mechanics Institute Library in Victoria with its original

collection of books. (Historic Background – A meeting on May 18, 1868 was held at the Eaglehawk

Town Hall for the purpose of taking steps to establish a Free Public Library in the Borough. On June

27, 1877 the Eaglehawk Borough Council gave the land where the Mechanics Institute stands to the

Eaglehawk Public Library Committee.)

The contemporary library service commenced in January 2012 and is operated by the Goldfields

Library Corporation whilst the building is owned and maintained by the COGB. The library utilizes

three of the rooms for collections and programs.

Current Use

The Library services operate on - Tuesday 10.00am -5.00pm, Friday 9.00am – 12.00pm and Saturday

9.30am – 12.30pm, a total of 13 hours a week. The Eaglehawk library has 230 members and in the

2013/14 financial year there were 12,799 visits to the library and 22,474 books, DVD etc were

circulated. Access is provided to two public internet computers available and a story time is held on

Tuesday mornings. A meeting room is available for hire of an evening and throughout the day on

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. For bookings Ph: 5446 9528.

The Eaglehawk Billiards and Snooker Club Inc was founded in the 1850's. The clubroom is beautifully

restored and has 3 full size Alcock Thompson and Taylor tables available for social and competition

use. New members are welcome and coaching is available. Subscriptions are currently $40 per year.

There are 40 plus users of this facility.

22

http://www.ncgrl.vic.gov.au/libraries/eaglehawk


Community comment

There is only one room to rent out when the library is not using it – the meeting room but the

library’s shelving restricts hiring potential. There is a high level of local interest in the heritage of the

existing building which restricts current and future library use.

A community member doesn’t believe the library should be in current building as the building does

not provide services the community deserves – what is needed is a 21st Century library. The library

services are very restricted by the building now as it is even difficult to introduce new technology

e.g. wireless wi-fi into a heritage listed building. The billiard room cannot be used as tables cannot

be shifted. Where is the point when we turn the building into a museum?

Need to consider surrounding suburbs in relation to the library.

Some library members would like the Library to be open more hours. Could have the billiard room

open to schools groups during the day or have people there to teach people how to play.

Audit Findings

This building externally is in very good condition yet the internal is in a reasonable to good condition.

Most rooms are accessible and a new side access is level. It is reasonable walking distance to bus

stops and train station and sits in the civic precinct at the heart of Eaglehawk. It has a high heritage

value. Spaces are sufficiently large however layout restrictions mean that supervision of the space is

an issue. There is scope to link better to the rest of the civic precinct.

In 2012/2013 stage 1 roof restoration works were undertaken, heating and cooling installed and an

accessible ramp installed to improve connectivity between the Town Hall and Mechanics Institute

while providing improved compliant access that also supports future linkages throughout the

precinct including the Court House.


Soft landscaping works on Sailors Gully Road side and structural rectification works scheduled for

2014/15 financial year.

Key Findings

• Supervision of the library spaces is difficult as there is no line of sight between the rooms.

• The use of the building is restrictive in its use due to library shelving, and snooker tables not

being able to be moved.

• The building is in very good condition and most areas are accessible.

• Some community members discussed the opportunity for the building to be turned into a

museum.

• There is scope to have better linkages to the rest of the civic precinct.


Eaglehawk Court House23

Facility

Eaglehawk Court House, Sailors Gully Road, Eaglehawk

Description

The Court House was designed by Public Works Department architects H. A. Williams and Peter Kerr

and completed on September 5, 1869. The court house comprised of a small lobby at the front and

the Magistrate's Room and Witnesses’ Room at the rear. The Clerk of Courts office was added later

to the rear of these rooms. The court house was the setting for the hearing of many gold stealing

cases and legal technicalities which arose from quartz reefing. It was a Magistrates Court and cases

were heard by the Police Magistrate and a Justice of the Peace. The court house and adjacent log

Lock-up were listed on the Victorian Register on February 12, 1998. This facility is owned by CoGB

and the Eaglehawk Heritage Society is Committee of Management.

Current Use

Eaglehawk Heritage Society is currently housed in the former Eaglehawk Court House. In January

1998 the Heritage Society began official occupancy of the former Eaglehawk Court House. In 2004

following a visit by staff from the Public Records Office of Victoria the societies premises was

officially made a Place of Deposit or P.O.D. The Historic Society currently has a 9 year lease which

began in 2011.

It is open to the public on Sunday's between 1.00-4.00pm. Historic Society meetings are held on the

1st Tuesday of the month. The Historic Society provides guest speakers for local schools and groups

and conducts tours of the Court House, Log Lockup and other buildings in the civic precinct including

the Eaglehawk Town Hall and the Eaglehawk Cemetery.

23

http://www.eaglehawkheritagesociety.com.au/


Community comment

Wheelchair access is probably the only challenge faced by the society as the doorways cannot be

altered which make such access difficult. There is no potential for shared use of the facility due to

the irreplaceable materials/artefacts which are housed in the building.

The society has a duty of care to ensure that the collection and additional items which may be on

loan are secure at all times. Much of the collection is on display and not under lock and key. This

would effectively prevent other groups or individuals sharing/using the premises.

Through several successful grant applications the building was completely refurbished in 2010

through an $83,000 grant and $25,000 CoGB funding. Works included restoration of slate roof,

treatment of rising damp, replacement of windows and installation of security shields over same.

Audit Findings

Built in 1869 the building is in excellent condition and well maintained. It is inaccessible given the

current arrangement and has no level access and crowded displays impede on navigation which can

make access difficult. It is situated in the civic precinct so is close to public transport although the

building itself is hidden from view. The building and its contents have maximum heritage value.


There are no proposed future uses or works on this facility.

Key Findings

• Accessibility in and around the building is an issue.

• There is no potential for shared use due to the materials and artefacts which are housed in

the building.


Education Facilities


Eaglehawk Preschool24

Facility

Eaglehawk Preschool, 15 Bright Street, Eaglehawk

Description

Site and buildings owned by the CoGB and the licensee is YMCA Ballarat.

The facility consists of one room for children, one small kitchen, and one small office. There is an

attractive outdoor play space which is encourages all types of play. “Plants and Nature’ is a focus

area and there is a vegetable garden where children can taste some of the foods grown as part of

the healthy eating program. Some of the other key focuses of the Preschool includes health and

hygiene, road safety, safety around dogs, music and movement and development of physical skills.

There is also a lending library within the Preschool where children can borrow books.

Current Use

There are a total of 71 children enrolled at the centre (55 kinder, 16 pre kinder).

The Preschool is open Monday - Thursday 8.30am - 4.00pm and Friday morning 9.15am – 11.45am

(prekinder) and is only used as an early learning facility.

Community comment


Audit Findings



There are no proposed future use or works although the facility is approximately 50 years old.

Key Findings

• The Preschool has no proposed future use or works.

• It is a one use facility and offers children a wide variety of activities.

24

http://www.lmpa.org.au/kinders/12-directory/54-eaglehawk-preschool


Neangar Preschool Centre25

Facility

Neangar Preschool Centre, 25 Watson Ave, California Gully

Description

Land and buildings owned by CoGB but managed by Loddon Mallee Preschool Association.

The facility consists of one room for children, one small kitchen, and one small office.

Current Use

There are a total of 66 children enrolled at the centre (46 kinder, 20 pre-kinder).

The Preschool is open Monday – Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm and is only used as an early learning facility.

Community comment


Audit Findings



There are no proposed future use or works for this facility.

Key Findings

• This is a single use facility.

• There are no proposed future use or works.

25

http://www.lmpa.org.au/kinders/12-directory/41-neangar-preschool


Lightning Reef Early Learning Centre

and Primary School26

Facility

Lightning Reef Early Learning Centre and Primary School, 74-88 Holmes Road, North Bendigo

Description

The facility is a new purpose built centre that was built as a result of a merger of the Comet Hill,

North Bendigo and Eaglehawk Primary Schools. The Primary School has a gymnasium, Kid’s kitchen,

veggie garden and chooks, music room and bike bank.

The Early Learning Centre is a YMCA-run early learning and care Centre, which provides integrated

long day care and preschool, maternal and child health27, early childhood intervention services and

family services.

Current Use

Lightening Reef Primary School offers a range of programs alongside the set curriculum. Some of

these programs include swimming and gymnastic program, active after school communities

program, Karen and Koori program and brekky club.

The Lightning Reef Early Learning Centre provides a fully integrated service catering for children

aged 4 months to kinder and also offers access to a range of other early childhood services on site

including Maternal Child Health. The Lightning Reef Early Learning Centre is managed by the Bendigo

Regional YMCA and is open from 7.00am - 6.00pm Monday - Friday. There are 114 spaces in total; 85

for long day care and 30 for 4 year old kindergarten. The majority of families the centre services is

from Eaglehawk.

Community comment

There is poor transport access to early year’s services. Everything is on one site which makes family

life a lot easier. Some people are not aware that they are meant to access kinder. A

playgroup/assistance/support group for 1-2 month olds is held in the primary school hall run by the

school. Increase kinder use for 3 year olds. Need to facilitate parent meetings for young families

26

http://www.echildcare.com.au/eaglehawk-playhouse/ 27 Maternal and Child Health services are also offered at Bendigo Community Health located at Seymoure St, Eaglehawk.


once or twice a year to help families plan ahead for kinder and school enrolment. Need more

supportive services at centre eg speech therapy, hearing tests, eye tests.

Audit Findings



There are no prosed future works for this facility as it is a brand new complex.

Key Findings

• Concerns were raised in relation to public transport access to the facility and there is some

assistance needed for families to plan ahead for kinder and school enrolments.


St Liborius Catholic School28

Facility

St. Liborius School, 379 Eaglehawk Road, Eaglehawk

Description

St. Liborius’ School was founded in 1904. For 15 years the Sisters of Mercy (until 1920) then the

Sisters of St. Joseph (until 1978) dedicated themselves to running and developing the school and

ensuring that the children of the Parish received a strong faith and academic education.

St Liborius Catholic School is a part of the St. Liborius Parish and services the educational needs of

families within Eaglehawk and surrounding areas (from Long Gully to Myers Flat and Raywood to

Maiden Gully). It is a coeducational, non-government Primary School that provides primary

education for students from Prep to Grade 6 and has a total of 208 students enrolled.

Current Use

After school care is provided for primary aged school children from 3.00 – 6.00pm daily and on pupil

free days.

A new $2 million multi-purpose centre opened in 2014 has provided a huge asset to the school. The

centre is a state-of-the-art sports stadium including basketball courts, two full sized tennis courts

and a full gym, performing arts centre and change rooms, and the MacKillop Room which includes a

kitchenette and will be used for meetings by the school and the community. It is used throughout

the week by the school for sports, performing arts, health and physical education. It is also used for

indoor bowls. The students completed landscaping at the front of the centre with each student

adopting a plant.

Also fortnightly LMK Playgroup (Premature babies support group) is held on Thursdays from

9.30am–11.00am and carpet bowls are held on Wednesday evenings.

Other uses for the centre are thanksgiving services, Kids Market Central, external events such as

football presentation nights and it is also used by other primary schools.

St Liborius Catholic Church is located in the grounds of the school and mass is held on various days

and times of the week.

28 http://www.sleaglehawk.catholic.edu.au/


Community comment


Audit Findings



From the Eaglehawk Structure Plan (adopted by Council July 2013) - Promote the designation of a

‘safe path’ denoted through paving treatments and lighting to link Eaglehawk Primary School, St

Liborius Primary School and Eaglehawk Secondary College.

Key Findings

• The new multi-purpose centre will be available to St Liborius School, other schools and the

community. Some uses currently include playgroup, lawn bowls, presentation nights and

markets.


Eaglehawk North Primary School29

Facility

Eaglehawk North Primary School, Darcy Street, Eaglehawk

Description

Eaglehawk North Primary School is a coeducational government primary school with a total

enrolment of 341 students of which 52% are boys and 48% are girls. The school caters for years prep

to grade 6.

Current Use

There has been significant housing growth in the broader area and the school has experienced an

enrolment increase over the past decade. The present 341 students are drawn from across the

greater Eaglehawk area and project a very broad socio-economic profile. Eaglehawk North Primary

School is acknowledged for its wide range of stimulating and innovative programs and the school

community takes pride in the strong cooperation and support it enjoys. The school is very strongly

involved in community programs, participating in initiatives, especially arts related, as they arise.

Special programs contributing to the makeup of the school include; Jump Rope for Heart, Peer

Mediation, After-School Care, 'Seasons', Sunsmart and Literacy Intervention.

Community comment


Audit Findings



This is not a facility that is owned or managed by CoGB therefore future use and works will be


Key Findings

• The school has experienced enrolment increase and has a wide range of stimulating and

innovative programs.

29 http://www.ehnps.vic.edu.au/


Eaglehawk Primary School30

Facility

Eaglehawk Primary School, Church Street, Eaglehawk

Description

The left wing of the present building was built in 1884. The centre two storey, bell tower and right

wing were added in 1886. Eaglehawk Primary School is a coeducational government primary school

and has a total enrolment of 135 students of which 45% are boys and 55% are girls. The school

caters for years prep to grade 6.

Current Use

In the mid 80's the old Methodist Church at the front of the site was added to the school property.

It is still known affectionately as "The Church" and is used on Friday afternoons for assemblies,

performances and PE on wet days. The Methodist Church and School are of state heritage

significance.

Hours are Monday - Friday 8.00am - 5.00pm.

Community comment

Eaglehawk Primary is extremely proud of our Kitchen and Garden program. This is part of the

Stephanie Alexander Program which this school has been a part of since 2007. We are one of the

original pilot schools for this wonderful program that sees our grade 3, 4, 5 and 6's cultivating and

tending their own organic vegetable garden and a cooking session every week of the year.

Audit Findings


30 http://www.eaglehawkps.vic.edu.au/






Key Findings

• The School is part of the Stephanie Alexander Program which sees students cultivate and

tend to their own organic vegetable garden.

• Some of the buildings located on the school grounds are of State significance.


Eaglehawk Secondary College31

Facility

Eaglehawk Secondary College, 1-3 Reserve Street, Eaglehawk

Description

A modern year 7-10 Secondary College rebuilt in 2010 situated on 25 acres in Eaglehawk including

the Wes Vine Performing Arts Centre

Current Use

Eaglehawk Secondary College is a coeducational government secondary school and has a total

enrolment of 599 students, 48% are boys and 52% are girls. The school caters for years 7 to 10.

School operating hours are Monday - Friday 8.00am - 5.00pm.

School has a performing arts centre and gym for hire. The Eaglehawk Community House regularly

uses the conference area as a meeting space. The performing art space is used by the local film

group. A variety of sporting clubs are major users of the gym and ovals. The gym seats up to 600

people. The students also access California Gully Oval, Canterbury Park Oval, Lake Neangar, Peter

Krenz Leisure Centre, Star Cinema/Town Hall, Outreach Program, Neangar Park Golf Club, Eaglehawk

Cemetery and Croquet Club. Eaglehawk Primary school are users of the gym also for school

productions.

The Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts Art exhibition is held in the Wes Vine Performing Arts Centre during

the long weekend in March each year.

Community comment

Eaglehawk is quite well resourced but there is a distinct lack of knowledge about what is available

and people do not know how to access them. Facilities are relatively close together and everything

is walkable. Economic times mean it might be a good time to look at shared use of the library for

community after 5.00pm. Some groups that use the facility have been knocked back because of lack

31

http://www.eaglehawksc.vic.edu.au/


of adequate insurance. As the gym seats up to 600 people, there is a need to promote the facility

more. Concerning the hire of the facility - this is a very expensive facility that is being handed over to

community groups, often after hours, which therefore becomes a security risk.

Audit Findings






Key Findings

• The school has a performing arts centre and gym for hire but needs to be promoted more

but there are also security risks involved in allowing the community to use these facilities.

Future School Development It must be noted that the Marist College Bendigo is currently being built in Patas Road, Maiden Gully. It is a Catholic P-12 School that will be opening in 2015 beginning with Year 8 students and will have

a capacity for 1,250 students plus three and four years old kindergarten (plans for long & short day

care, MHC) which will start up in 2018. The plans include two ovals - one senior AFL standard, two

outdoor netball courts and will include club rooms. When considering future needs in Eaglehawk

the facilities that will be available at this School need to be taken into consideration due to its

proximity to Eaglehawk.


Sport & Recreation Facilities


Bendigo BMX Clubroom and Track32

Facility

Bendigo BMX Clubroom and Track, Albert Roy Reserve, 146 Victoria Street, Eaglehawk

Description

This regional facility was constructed in 1988 and has seen progressive ad hoc updates over time.

There is a dirt race track approximately twenty jumps of various heights and, three banked turns. A

colourbond shed with verandas incorporating a clubroom, canteen and storage facilities, a BBQ

shelter and a colourbond toilet block are located on the site. The land is owned by COGB and the

building is owned by the BMX Club.

Current use

There is a licence agreement with CoGB for Bendigo BMX Club to manage the track. The track is used

all year round, and caters for age groups that range from 4 years to 50 years. Monthly committee

32

http://bendigo.bmxa.com.au/bmx/home.asp?a=home&schID=3&oID=154&oName=Bendigo+BMX+Club


meetings are held in the rooms at the track. The track is open to public whenever competitions are

not being held. Gate practice is held every Tuesday night from 5.30pm and races/events are held on

Friday nights approximately every two weeks. State events including the Victorian Schools Cycling

Festival BMX Event is also held at the facility.

Community comment

The community feels that the BMX track looks neglected- dusty or muddy and seems to lack basic

facilities. Track lighting and power reliability is poor. The track is maintained by club members who

hold regular working bees. The BMX track needs a bigger ramp, corners sealed and a general

upgrade.

Audit findings

The clubroom is small and rundown but robust. Linkages between other recreation facilities located

nearby are poor. It isn’t directly serviced by a bus route or train service (500m from High Street) as it

is not in the centre of Eaglehawk but its location is wholly suitable for the activity. There is abundant

car parking although informal and shared with adjacent business.


The Club believes it could bring national titles if the facility was upgraded. A proposal was put

forward to the Active and Healthy Communities Unit to upgrade BMX track back in 12/13 and build

clubrooms/toilets. The Club requested that CoGB fund this with financial contributions from

community. This needs to be considered as part of the overall Albert Roy Reserve.

Recently (2014) there have been discussions between the BMX Club and CoGB to re-locate and build

a new facility at an alternative site which would allow multi-use of an existing pavilion and other

amenities.

An action in the Eaglehawk Structure Plan is to prepare a master plan for the Albert Roy Reserve.

The timeline for this is to occur by 2016.

Key Findings

• The audit found there is no scope to develop the existing structure though there’s an

abundance of land around the track or any new development.

• Its location is suitable for the activity but there are some upgrades required to the track and

existing facilities.

• There have been some discussions about possible relocation. If this does not occur, some

upgrades will need to occur.

• The track services a large proportion of regional Victoria and should reflect that in its size

and capacity to host events.


Bendigo and Districts Offroad Radio

Controlled Car – Badlands Raceway33

Facility

Bendigo and Districts Offroad Radio Controlled Car Club, Albert Roy Reserve, 146 Victoria Street,

Eaglehawk

Description

The facility is located at the rear of the Eaglehawk Badminton & Table Tennis pavilion and adjacent

to the Bendigo BMX track. The remote control car track is a dirt track with jumps and a shipping

container is used to store equipment with spectator viewing on top of the container. The track is

open 7 days a week for public use. The licence for this facility is to the Bendigo and District Off

Road Radio Controlled Car Club Inc.

Current Use

Bendigo and Districts Offroad Radio Controlled Car Club hold race meetings on the third Sunday of

each month at the track known as Badlands Raceway, Victoria Street, Eaglehawk. Club member’s

race 1/8th and 1/10th Nitro and Electric off-road radio controlled cars. Racing starts at 9.00am for

nominations with racing at 10.00am.

Community comment

There are problems with vandalism. There is poor road access.

Audit Findings

An audit was not conducted on this facility.


The Club is looking to share facility with other car clubs to increase sustainability of the track and

clubs.

Key Findings

• There is a need to increase sustainability of the track and club.

• Vandalism is a problem.

• The sport offers alternative leisure opportunities to non-traditional participants in sport.

33

https://www.facebook.com/pages/BADrc/127206363984640


Roy Bateson Tennis Complex34

Facility

Roy Bateson Tennis Complex, Albert Roy Reserve, 130 Victoria Street, Eaglehawk.

Description

The clubroom/hall is approximately 20 years old and there are 5 hard court tennis courts that are

not in good condition. The land is owned by CoGB and the Committee of Management is the

Eaglehawk and District Tennis Association.

34

http://www.eaglehawktennis.org.au/


Current Use

The Roy Bateson Tennis Complex is the home of the Eaglehawk District Tennis Association (EDTA).

The EDTA are a member of Sports Focus and have a facebook page and website

www.eaglehawktennis.org.au. EDTA competition is played September to April every year and there

are currently 15 senior teams playing in the Division 1 and 2 competitions which has also increased

the social membership of the Club. In 2014 EDTA were successful in securing a Tennis Victoria

accredited coach and have commenced Hot Shots Tennis every Saturday morning. Courts are always

open to the public. A Rock N Roll club sometimes hire the clubrooms. St Liborius School use it once a

year. Occasional parties are held usually by locals and club members. Overall, there is capacity for

increased use of this facility.

Community comment

There is no cooling, no all abilities access toilets, and no security spotlight. Courts need to be

stripped back - to get all five done properly would cost about $50,000. It is a five to ten minute walk

from Eaglehawk and there is no public transport to the Reserve. It is out of sight, few people know it

is there. There have been two counts of recent vandalism - a spot fire and broken window.

Empowering Eaglehawk donated $3,000 for sanding down one of the courts. There is a fear of the

courts closing. The tennis club is interested in promotion to other users, but not sure who to target –

eg market stalls could be held. They could advertise in local newsletter for an increase in members

after the condition of the courts has improved.

Discussions have been held between the CoGB and the Eaglehawk Tennis Club about relocating the

club to the new Canterbury Park Courts as part of the Canterbury Park Master Plan.

CoGB are the CoM. The Club constructed the building. There is no maintenance required from CoGB.

There is a large meeting room in the Clubroom (80+ capacity). The courts sit idle in winter and there

is potential/need/want to for other uses but not sure what.

Audit Finding

The external and internal conditions of the clubrooms are good/reasonable. There is ample car

parking although informal. The playing surface and fences are in poor condition and initial

inspections indicate that a resurface would not be viable due to deterioration of the sub-surface of

the court and non-compliance of run off distances. Reconstruction of the courts would cost a

minimum of $60,000 per court.


There are no proposed future works or use for this facility.

Key Findings

• From audit – the site is large with very few obstructions or risks to construction.

• Playing surface is in poor condition so only junior tennis is played there. There is potential

for shared use but the club is unsure who to target.

• The clubrooms are hired ad hoc but some basic necessities are required to bring up to

standard.


Eaglehawk Badminton & Table Tennis

Centre35

Facility

Eaglehawk Badminton and Table Tennis Centre, Albert Roy Reserve, 140 Victoria Street Eaglehawk

Description

The Bendigo Badminton & Table Tennis Centre is a regional facility and the only type of this facility in

the City of Greater Bendigo. It is a modern, high quality stadium that includes twelve tables, change

rooms, showers, a canteen area and an office. Originally built in 1983, the Bendigo Badminton and

Table Tennis Centre is home to various regional badminton and table tennis competitions. Recent

extensions in 1999 included an additional six badminton courts, bringing the total number of courts

to sixteen. Furthermore, a major redevelopment of the change room facilities has seen the centre

become unique within North Western Victoria. New storage sheds have recently been installed as

well. A range of recent works by the City of Greater Bendigo has helped make the Bendigo

Badminton & Table Tennis Centre in Eaglehawk one of the best table tennis centres in Victoria. The

facility is owned by CoGB and the Committee of Management is leased to the Eaglehawk and District

Table Tennis and Badminton Association Stadium Committee.

Current Use

Bendigo Table Tennis Association

The table tennis facility is used Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday during the day and night.

There are 12 table tennis tables and almost 100 members. A & B grade table tennis nights are almost

at capacity. Currently, State wide table tennis competitions and national competitions are held at

the Bendigo Stadium. Coaching clinics are provided by Health, Wellness & Table Tennis (HWATT)

who is committed to building the sport of Table Tennis in Australia and beyond by building

relationships with elite players, and providing coaching, training and support for clubs across

Australia. Table Tennis Victoria holds regular executive meetings at the centre. Various schools in

Bendigo also use the table tennis facilities. Scope also uses the Table Tennis area for bowling for

people with vision impairment. 35

http://www.insports.com.au/ttp/bdtta/default0.asp

http://www.foxsportspulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?assoc=6088&pID=1


Eaglehawk & Bendigo Badminton Association

Badminton is played Monday morning, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings and Saturdays from

2.00pm – 4.00pm. The club has approximately 180 members. Coaching and big tournaments are

held at weekends. Veteran’s tournaments attract up to 100 competitors. Both associations run

various state level tournaments at weekends several times a year.

Other users of the stadium include the YMCA Holiday Program, carpet bowls, vision impaired

activities, football training when it is raining and the Eaglehawk Cricket Club train there occasionally.

Sometimes it is hired out as a Christmas party venue. The stadium is also used for occasional pop up

expos/retail activities.

Community comment

Stakeholder noted that: There are several maintenance issues that require attention - floor needs

regular re-coating to protect the boards and will need replacing sometime in the future. There are

some plumbing problems with the toilets. Private hire for badminton is a challenge as there is no

one to manage bookings and keys. There is no stove and the lack of storage is an issue. The CoGB

help by maintaining the outside and providing capital expenditure where necessary. An extension is

envisioned as being required in the coming years and also a need to seal more of the car park and

add lights. There is a need for a 'show court' with seating and lights for other sports. Public

transport - accessibility to the facility is a big issue as currently there is none, from Bendigo it takes 2

buses and 2km walk to get there. Many international University students use the facility. The

committee would like to explore the option of solar power to cut electricity costs as this is their

major expense.

Audit Findings

The interior and exterior of the facility are in reasonable condition. Located in Albert Roy Reserve,

there is access to the other facilities in the area although access to public transport is poor and

remote. It is a suitable size for large regional and national events.


Areas of maintenance and upgrade are planned by CoGB to happen by 2014 - new shed construction

for Table Tennis. Increased ventilation in badminton hall has been completed with no further works

planned in short term.

Key Findings

• It is the only badminton and table tennis complex in Greater Bendigo.

• Other groups use the facility as well.

• Private hire for badminton is a challenge as there is no one to manage bookings and keys.

• Some upgrades to the facility have been identified.

• Accessibility of the facility is an issue as it’s not located near public transport route.


Albert Roy Reserve – Home of Bendigo

Baseball Association, Scot & Falcons

Baseball Club36

Facility

Albert Roy Reserve – Home of Bendigo Baseball Association, Scots and Falcons Baseball Clubs, , 140

Victoria Street, Eaglehawk

Description

There are two baseball fields which are the home of the Falcons Baseball Club and the Scots Baseball

Club. The front baseball diamond also contains a cricket pitch which is used for junior cricket training

and matches. The club rooms beside the front baseball diamond and near the car park are shared by

the two clubs. The facility is owned by CoGB and the Committee of Management is Albert Roy

Pavilion Committee of Management. There are seasonal agreements with Scots and Falcons

Baseball Clubs.

Current Use

The facility is used all year round with baseball clubs being the winter users and cricket clubs using

the front ground for training and matches during summer. Seasonal agreements are in place

between the clubs and the CoGB. Eaglehawk Playgroup meets at the baseball rooms on Tuesday

mornings.

Baseball

The baseball fields are the home of the Scots & Falcons Baseball Clubs. The winter season is from 1

April to 30 September each year.

Falcons have six teams which consist of 30 juniors and 40 seniors and do not have pre-season

training in summer.

Scots have 7 teams, 40 juniors and 40 seniors who train Tuesday - 4-7pm, Wednesday - 4-9pm,

Thursday 4-9pm, Saturday 9-5pm and play on Sundays 7.30am-5.30pm. Scots use the facility for

pre-season training in summer.

Cricket

Eaglehawk Junior Cricket Club train on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday nights from 4.00 -7.00pm.

There are 60 juniors/6 teams during summer.

36

https://www.facebook.com/bendigobaseball


Maiden Gully Cricket Club C-grade also use the front diamond ground for cricket on Saturdays from

12.00-6.00pm. The cricket season is from the 1 October - 31 March each year.

Community comment

Baseball toilets aren't great. When all the facilities are being used the car park is not big enough, it is

unsealed & unlit and needs to be doubled. Each of the two diamonds is for separate clubs.

Accessibility is a big issue as it is not on or within reasonable walking distance of a bus route or train

service. Need another baseball ground in top conditions to get all teams here playing at Australian

level. Drainage near the rear baseball diamond needs improvement and some spots need

resurfacing for holes.

Audit Findings

The exterior of the rooms are in reasonable condition with the internal condition poor. There is level

access from the car park and throughout the facility. Space, storage and outside play area work well

for playgroup and spectator link to field works for baseball.


The CoGB have undertaken a major upgrade of the irrigation system on the main diamond.

Depending on funding, the City plans to do the junior diamond in the 2014/15 financial year which

will be adjacent to the existing rear diamond and behind the car park.

Detailed design has been completed in consultation with the club to upgrade the pavilion and

amenities to meet current standards. The City was unsuccessful in obtaining a grant for these works

in 2014 and the project will therefore be referred to future budgets for consideration.

Roof netting will be considered for the diamonds in context of all works at the reserve and Greater

Bendigo as well as the future direction of bsaeball.

Key Findings

• Some parts of the facility need an upgrade.

• As with other facilities located on Albert Roy Reserve, it is not located near public transport.

• Community would like another baseball ground which was in top condition to attract

national level events.


California Gully Oval and BMX Track37

Facility

California Gully Recreation Reserve, 1-3 Louden Street, California Gully

Description

Brick veneer clubrooms, oval, playground, cricket nets, California Gully BMX Track that runs down

the rear of the complex. A major re-development of the California Gully Recreation Reserve pavilion

was completed in 2010.

The Golden Gully Cricket Club was formed following a breakaway group of the West Bendigo Cricket

Club. The club secured the use of the California Gully Recreation Reserve following the

abandonment of the reserve by the California Gully Cricket Club in the late 90's due to the club going

into recess. CoGB is Committee of Management and seasonal users include Golden Gully Cricket

Club and Eaglehawk Junior Football Club.

37

http://goldengully.vic.cricket.com.au/pageitem.aspx?id=67179


Current Use

Golden Gully Cricket Club has a seasonal agreement with the CoGB to use California Gully Oval as

their home ground. Training is conducted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays from

4.30-8.30pm. Matches are played on Saturdays from 12.30-6.30pm; 4 teams/50 players. Season is 1

October - 31 March yearly.

Eaglehawk Junior Cricket Club has a seasonal agreement to use the California Gully Oval to train on

Mondays from 4.00-7.00pm during the summer. Junior cricket is played at California Gully Oval on

Saturday mornings.

The Eaglehawk Junior Football Club has a seasonal agreement to train at California Gully Oval during

winter. 11 junior teams train on the oval Monday to Friday.

Casual baseball matches are held at California Gully Oval.

Community comment


Audit Finding



This facility is the home to the Golden Gully Cricket Club and is extensively used by both Eaglehawk

Football Club Juniors and Eaglehawk Cricket Club Juniors to train and play during both winter and

summer. The use of this facility will continue as it is an important part of the infrastructure needed

for the continuation of sport in Eaglehawk.

Refurbishment of the dirt jumps will be required over the coming years to ensure safety and

continued use.

Key Findings

• The facility is predominately used by the Golden Gully and Eaglehawk Junior Cricket Clubs

for training and playing matches.

• The Eaglehawk Junior Football Club trains at the oval during winter.

• Some casual baseball matches are also held there.


Canterbury Oval & Grandstand38

Facility

Canterbury Oval & Grandstand, 2 Simpsons Road, Eaglehawk

Description

The Canterbury Park precinct (incorporating the Oval) is today one of Eaglehawk’s most visited

recreation areas. Developed from 1870, a mere 8 years after the official establishment of the

Eaglehawk Borough in 1862, its close proximity to the civic and commercial centre of the town, and

its speedy development into a ‘pleasure ground’ which also catered, as was often the case

throughout the 1800s in Victoria, to the various sporting needs of the people of the township,

ensured its long and unparalled importance to the citizens of Eaglehawk in all facets of community

life. Canterbury Oval is the major regional facility in Eaglehawk catering for a number of well

patronised sports. Facilities include football ovals, cricket pitches, cricket nets, netball courts and

tennis courts. It is owned by CoGB and there are seasonal agreements with Eaglehawk Football and

Netball Club, Eaglehawk Junior Football Club and Eaglehawk Cricket Club.

Current Use

Canterbury Oval is home to the Eaglehawk Cricket Club, Eaglehawk Football Club and Eaglehawk

Netball Club; all of which have a large number of teams. Seasonal agreements are held with all of

the clubs that utilise these facilities. The Eaglehawk Football Club has competed in every Bendigo

Football League season since the league began in 1880, with the exception of 1904.

Community comment

Issues include animal excrement, signage, proposed new sound shell, public toilets, improved places

for young girls around the park, old grandstand, bins, clubrooms, lighting and a bigger playground.

Lights are OK for training but not for night games so a lighting upgrade is seriously needed. The club

rooms are not big enough to house everybody. At present cannot host big events. Need a gym for

football club.

38

http://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/News/Current_Projects/Canterbury_Park_Sports_Precinct

http://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/Leisure_and_Entertainment/Parks_gardens_and_reserves/Canterbury_Gardens

http://eaglehawk3556.com.au/docs/Canterbury_Oval_Concept_Option_2a.pdf


Audit Findings

The grandstand was refurbished in 1988 and both the external and internal condition is in

reasonable condition. There is good level access to the below stand spaces but no wheelchair access

to the grandstand. There is ample parking in and around the area and is walking distance to other

recreational and community facilities as well as public transport.


In this financial year we have an approved budget to undertake the following works:

• Design and refurbishment of the internal understory Grandstand clubrooms and

change rooms

• Design and restoration of the upper heritage Grandstand

• Design only of a new stand-alone social pavilion

Unbudgeted future works include:

• Construction of a new social pavilion

• Demolition of the existing stand-alone Football Clubrooms for when

construction starts on the new social pavilion.

• Demolition of existing male and female public toilets once the new social

pavilion is built that houses new public toilets.

• Alterations to the carpark layout including upgrading of carpark lighting

• A new formalised main entry to the facility from Fry Lane, Eaglehawk

• Creation of a pedestrian forecourt

• The addition of bleachers to the front of the new social pavilion

• Upgrade to existing coach’s boxes, ticket boxes, player and spectator shelters.

Key Findings

The restoration and refurbishment works and construction of the new social pavilion form part of

the Eaglehawk Open Space Precinct Master Plan, adopted by Council on 19 January 2011.

Development of this area is a major improvement for sport, recreation, and community events for

the City of Greater Bendigo.

The Precinct Master Planning phase was prepared by Insight Leisure Planning Architects and has

been adopted following extensive consultation with user groups, the community and CoGB staff.

The concept and detail design of the grandstand works and the new social pavilion was prepared by

K20 Architecture following extensive consultation from the user groups.


Canterbury Gardens39

Facility

Canterbury Gardens, Sailors Gully Road, Eaglehawk

Description

Incorporating Lake Neangar and Lake Tom Thumb; Canterbury Gardens boasts 35 acres of gorgeous

historic gardens alongside the Eaglehawk Creek, with some original relics still intact. Canterbury

Garden was first proposed in 1870 when five acres of land adjacent to the Eaglehawk Creek were set

aside as a reserve. This area was later increased to thirty-five acres and a tender was let out for

formation of the gardens in 1873. Remnants of the unique original layout of the gardens are evident

in the three beds at the south west end of the gardens. An early gardens plan shows a symmetrical

layout of seven circular and oval beds. The gardens were originally heavily planted with pines, palms

and deciduous trees.

Lake Neanger is an artificial lake that was constructed in 1883. There were also rowing clubrooms

located on the edge but were demolished in 1962. In 1977 the lake was reconstructed to have an

island in the middle. The western side of the Lake is edged by the Eaglehawk Bowling Club greens,

access road and car park, a new Skate Park, bluestone toilet block and the Bendigo Leisure Centre

complex. A narrow corridor consisting of a path with avenue planting of young eucalypts links Lake

Neangar to Canterbury Park Gardens.

Lake Tom Thumb was built in the 1960s, funded by the local council and Neangar Park Golf Club,

over an old gold mine of which the entrance is buried under the island in the middle of the lake. The

golf club has water rights and uses it to water some of their greens.

Current Use

The gardens are used for the Summer in the Parks programs, Dahlia & Arts Festival and Carols by

Candlelight annually. The gardens are regularly used by walking groups, fitness groups and have

39

http://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/Leisure_and_Entertainment/Parks_gardens_and_reserves/Canterbury_Gard

ens


toilets and picnic-barbecue facilities. 1,500 varieties of dahlias can be seen during the Dahlia & Arts

Festival in March.

Community comment

A Community Reference Group has been formed for all the projects currently underway within

Canterbury Park. The group meets bimonthly and is chaired by Councillor Peter Cox. Other than a

contingent of staff from the City of Greater Bendigo, the meeting is attended by representatives

from all relevant stakeholders of the projects currently underway in the precinct and grandstand

sides. Membership includes: Eaglehawk Senior Football Club, Eaglehawk Junior Football club,

Eaglehawk Netball Club, Eaglehawk Cricket club, Eaglehawk Croquet club, Dahlia and Arts,

Eaglehawk Bowling Club, Bendigo Triathlon Club, Eaglehawk Primary School, Eaglehawk North

Primary School, Eaglehawk Secondary School, St Liborius Primary School, Eaglehawk Historical

Society and YMCA.


As part of the Canterbury Park Precinct project an event oval is being constructed at the Eastern side

of the park, towards Lake Neanger. The new oval will be a multi-functional event space, complete

with lighting that will attract major state, regional and community events and festivals. The oval

shaped oval will be grassed and create a community space and enhance social inclusion, both formal

and informal.

The precinct, due to start on May 28, also includes:

• Development of multi use cricket nets with lighting

• Two netball/tennis courts with lighting

• New synthetic bowling green with lighting

• Multi-use netball pavilion

• Bleachers, footpaths, ramps

• Landscaping

• Construction of entry road

• Park lighting

Future works also include a new band stand to sit alongside the event space and demolition of

the existing one.

Key Findings

The Eaglehawk Open Space Masterplan identified key planning objectives surrounding this precinct.

The key objective was to upgrade and improve core sporting infrastructure consistent with the

status of the area as one of the most significant sporting reserves in Bendigo, improve functionality

and aesthetic appeal of the precinct.

The principles behind the project are:

• Improve facilities that cater for female sports participants, including netballers.

• Maximise the multiuse capacity of all infrastructure for shared use by clubs and where

appropriate the broader community

• Consolidate existing built form within the precinct

• Improve overall stock of buildings

• Maintain and protect the heritage grandstands for ongoing community and sporting use

• Improve the pedestrian permeability of the site

• Improve traffic management and circulation, including vehicle control points

• Support the provisions of a modest number of car parks with the capacity for viewing the

oval, particularly for use by the elderly, infirm or disabled.


Eaglehawk Bowling Club40

Facility

Eaglehawk Bowling Club, Simpsons Road, Eaglehawk

Description

There are two grass greens, club rooms and a water fountain for skate park users. The City is also

currently developing a further eight rink synthetic bowling green at the site.

The CoGB is the Committee of Management of the Crown Land (Canterbury Park, Lake Neangar

area) and the Bowling Club owns the facilities constructed on the leased land.

40

http://www.eaglehawkbc.com.au/site/index.cfm?fuseaction=display_main&OrgID=17928


Current Use

Currently there is a summer pennant and mid-week pennant held at the Bowling Club as well as

special events like Diggers Day, Easter & a three day bowls event held over the Anzac weekend.

Regular meetings are held for the Bowling Club and the bowling ladies and bingo is held at the

clubroom every Thursday night at 7.30pm.

Community comment

The Bowling Club maintains buildings and surrounds.

Audit Findings

The Bowling Club is in good condition with some newly refurbished areas inside. There is excellent

provision of car parks and bus stops are in walking distance.


As part of the Canterbury Park Master Plan an additional synthetic bowling green will be located

south west of the existing club that will be fully accessible by all ability bowlers. Building

modifications will also be included as well as an additional path surrounding the Bowling Club

proposed to improve pedestrian access and alterations to the car park.

Key Findings

• Regular meetings and bingo is held in the clubrooms and regular pennant competitions.

• The clubrooms have been recently refurbished.

• The facility is located close to public transport.

• The additional bowling green will cater for local use for the long term future.


Eaglehawk Croquet Club41

Facility

Eaglehawk Croquet Club, 20-26 Napier Street, Eaglehawk

Description

The Eaglehawk Croquet Club Inc. was founded in 1909 in premises vacated by the Eaglehawk

Bowling Club. Electricity was connected to the Clubhouse in 1947. During the years 1955-58 the club

rooms were rebuilt and enlarged. It is within walking distance to the main street and public

transport. The facility is owned by COGB and the Eaglehawk Croquet Club is the Committee of

Management.

Current Use

The Croquet Club is regularly used on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Free tuition is available for Association and Golf Croquet players and coaching is also available for

members if they wish. Students are also welcome. The facility is occasionally used by Eaglehawk

Secondary College.

Community comment

We play Association, Golf Croquet and Golf Croquet Pennant and golf croquet membership is

increasing.

Accessibility - poor access to facility and external toilets.

Audit Findings

The Croquet Club was constructed in 1960. The exterior of the building is approaching a poor

condition but the interior is well maintained. Accessibility may become problematic due to some

steps at the entrance. Space within the club is well appointed yet some appear too small for the

users’ needs.


Active and Healthy Communities Unit will work with all Croquet Clubs in Bendigo relating to the

sustainability of clubs and consider options to increase sustainability of croquet in Greater Bendigo.

There is a small budget allocation in 2014/15 budget to look at short term accessibility options.

41

http://www.croquetvic.asn.au/clubpage.php?clubnameclicked=Eaglehawk


Key Findings

• The Club is regularly used 5 days a week for croquet and is occasionally used by Eaglehawk

Secondary College.

• There are some accessibility issues to access the facility and toilets.

• While use occurs regularly, it services a relatively small membership base and needs to be

considered alongside other croquet clubs in Bendigo experiencing similar issues.


Peter Krenz Leisure Centre42

Facility

Peter Krenz Leisure Centre, Napier Street, Eaglehawk

Description

The Peter Krenz Leisure Centre (formally the Bendigo Leisure Centre) is a regional indoor sport and

leisure centre managed under lease by the Bendigo Regional YMCA on behalf of the City of Greater

Bendigo.

The majority of the land is owned by the Crown with part of the facility including a City of Greater

Bendigo freehold parcel. The City of Greater Bendigo is the delegated Committee of Management on

behalf of the Crown. The facility also shares it’s boundary with the Eaglehawk Croquet Club,

Canterbury Gardens and Lake Neangar.

The Centre contains three heated swimming pools (a 50 metre lap pool, intermediate warm water

pool and toddler play pool), sauna, spa, three squash courts, an indoor netball/basketball court, mini

golf, crèche, meeting room, club rooms, large program room, gym/weights area, café, offices and

merchandise shop.

42

http://bendigo.ymca.org.au/Fitness/Pages/PeterKrenzLeisureCentre.aspx


Current Use

Centre hours are:

• Weekdays - 6.00am - 8.30pm

• Saturday - 8.45am – 6.00pm

• Sunday - 9.00am – 6.00pm

On average there are approximately 700 Health & Wellbeing members, 400 pool members and 950+

kids in active swim classes. The Centre services the whole municipality, not just the Eaglehawk area.

In addition to this there are a significant number of casual users of all aspects of the Centre.

Managers of the site have indicated that Peter Krenz Leisure Centre is also used by every school in

Bendigo with the exception of three.

The crèche services are available from 9.00am -12.00pm, 5 days a week and it provides occasional

care also. There are a variety of meeting rooms which attract random bookings.

The Y Putt space has limited year round use due to weather, condition and location however the

café and outdoor area has been altered to service patrons external to the centre and is well used in

summer.

It is also used by the Y Service Club of Eaglehawk and Y Service Club of Eaglehawk (Women); the

clubrooms are located at the north end of the centre. The Eaglehawk Y's Men meet weekly on

Thursday evenings and the Eaglehawk Y's Women meet every 2nd Tuesday of month in the evening.

The CoGB conducts immunisation programs on a monthly basis at the site as well and Baptcare

meetings are held on Friday morning’s monthly at the Y clubrooms.

The basketball stadium is not well used; activities have been relocated to Eaglehawk Secondary

College's new facility.

Community comment

There is a general consensus in the community that the facility requires increased investment to

meet modern standards and expectations. The Centre is highly utilised with capacity to share spaces;

unused offices and massage rooms have space for shared use. The gardens outside the facility need

better upkeep and some repairs need to be inside eg. Pool.MU


Audit Findings

Both the exterior and interior of the Centre varies in its condition and appearance. Accessibility has

been improved over time however remains limited in some areas of the centre and requires hoists in

other areas. Car parking provision appears adequate for current use but is less than would be

expected for an equivalent centre if built today. It is located near public transport and is close to the

centre of Eaglehawk. Single use spaces are inevitable but there is scope for further use around the

meeting rooms, crèche, and squash courts. Given small use of the stadium, the future retention of

this component should be considered in the wider context of Bendigo.

The building is vast and requires patrons to travel further than is usually expected to use different

components of the Centre. The layout also reduces the ability of the operators to manage the facility

efficiently due to the need for individual supervision in each component of the building rather than

staff supervision of multiple areas.


• Peter Krenz Leisure Centre requires a significant renewal of plant, equipment and the building.

The Centre would also function more efficiently with alteration to the layout. To develop a

priority list of works, an expert and detailed audit of infrastructure is recommended.

• Bendigo Regional YMCA is proposing to remove the existing mini-golf area and replace it with

outdoor exercise equipment for use by their personal trainers and members.

• The City of Greater Bendigo has completed design to replace the existing air handling system

with a modern heat exchange system. The current system is non-operational in many parts of

the pool hall and has limited function in the remainder. The existing system also heats cold air

and does not include a heat exchanger to reduce energy consumption/carbon output. The

replacement system is proposed to be a heat exchange system and has an expected cost in the

order of $1M including extraction, ducting and ventilation.

• The City has a rolling program for minor renewal works. This program includes painting of the

water slide tower and main pool hall (partially complete) as well as repairs and maintenance.

Key Findings

In order to undertake an efficient and effective audit of the Centre, the future scale and use of the

site should be considered in context of the proposed new facility at Kangaroo Flat. Given a new

facility is proposed, it is likely that aspects of Peter Krenz Leisure Centre could be rationalised to

provide a smaller secondary indoor facility. A reduction in the scale of this centre could allow

improved functionality of the site and surrounds while also reducing the capital and operational

burden upon the Greater Bendigo community.

Given the age and condition of the facility, a priority list of works should be developed to stage the

upgrade of the facility to meet modern customer expectations, reduce operating costs through

modern plant/technology and provide a better service to the community.

Peter Krenz Leisure Centre shares a boundary with the Eaglehawk Croquet Club. The highest and

best use of that land should be considered in the context of croquet facilities and participation in

Bendigo. If Council and the community considered it appropriate, the land could improve the

functionality, layout, aesthetics and access to the Centre.

The current lease of Peter Krenz Leisure Centre provides insufficient detail on the maintenance and

reporting requirements of Bendigo Regional YMCA and the need to deliver services specified by

Council. A review of the management model and consideration of alternatives should be undertaken

prior to expiration of the current lease on 31 December 2017.


McKern Skate Park

Facility

McKern Skatepark, Canterbury Park, Simpsons Road, Eaglehawk

Description

The McKern Skate Park is a regional facility built in 2007 at a cost of $405,000 in the precinct of

Canterbury Park; it was a project driven by the Rotary Club of Eaglehawk and joint funded by the

McKern family, State Government and the City of Greater Bendigo. It is owned by COGB and

Bendigo Regional YMCA has the management agreement.

Current Use

This is an international class park for beginner and intermediate skaters which includes split level

quarter pipes, flat banks, hubba ledge, spine, euro gap and grind rails. It is open to the public day

and night for use 24/7. It is in the vicinity of the Eaglehawk Bowling Club and the club have plumbed

a chilled water fountain in the edge of their grounds to provided skaters and patrons of the park

with cold water.

Community comment

The community has concerns about night time use of park. Peter Krenz CCTV monitors the area.

Audit Findings

The Skate Park is currently in good condition and free from graffiti and other damage. There is

substantial parking adjacent to the park and is in reasonable walking distance to bus stops.


No future works proposed.

Key Findings

• The Skate Park is in good condition and free from graffiti and other damage.

• It is in reasonable walking distance to public transport.

• It is an international class park.


Long Gully Recreation Reserve43

Facility

Long Gully Recreation Reserve, Cunneen Street, Long Gully

Description

A new $1.02 million dollar Community Pavilion and Menshed was opened in Long Gully in June 2011.

The Community Pavilion has a billiard table, kitchen, training facility, junior change rooms, art space

and small meeting space.

43

https://www.facebook.com/lgncinc


Current Use

The proposed Long Gully Splash Park will be in the vicinity of this reserve (due to be developed in the

coming months and open next summer 2015). The Community Pavilion is managed by Long Gully

Community House and is used by the Long Gully Youth Group.

Community comment

A new $1.02 million dollar community pavilion and Menshed has been officially opened in Long Gully

and is likely to be used by a number of local clubs and organisations such as the Long Gully football

and cricket clubs, the street soccer group, a kitchen community program, and the Maori Cultural

group.

Audit Findings




Key Findings

• The facility is used by a number of local clubs and organisations.

• The Long Gully Splash Park is currently being constructed and will be open in time for

summer.


Neangar Park Golf Club44

Facility

Neangar Park Golf Club, 7 Averys Road Eaglehawk

Description

Neangar Park is privately owned and offers a flexible venue for hire. The clubhouse can be set up in

theatre style seating or with tables of 8, with a maximum dining capacity of 120. Generous rates are

available for half days, full days or evenings.

The clubhouse offers:

•Fully stocked bar

• Catering facilities for self catering, external caterers, or we can do it all for you

•BBQ facilities

•Outdoor seating area overlooking the course and lake

•Seating for 120

• Dance floor

•Plenty of parking

Current Use

The Peter Krenz Golf Day is held yearly. Corporate golf days are held every 2-3 weeks throughout the

year. Veterans Golf Association would play there 2-3 times a year (visiting district golf courses).

Three state wide events held each year for juniors, Men/Women/Trainee professionals-

men/women. There is a strong junior program – junior programs/clinics are held three nights a

week and Sunday mornings during winter. The Club currently has 630 members from across

Bendigo.

The clubhouse can be hired by anyone and it is often used for parties and funerals.

44

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Community comment


Audit Findings



This golf course is proposed to be retained as it is one of the better courses in Bendigo in relation to

quality.

Key Findings

• This is a privately owned facility.

• The Clubhouse can be hired by community groups.

• The golf course itself is classed as one of the better courses in Bendigo.


Neangar Park Pony Club45

Facility

Neangar Park Pony Club, Cnr Hodgson & Reef Streets, Eaglehawk

Description

This regional facility offers a range of disciplines including Show jumping, Cross Country, Dressage,

Grooming, Camps and Certificates. The land is owned by COGB and the building is owned by the

Pony Club.

45

http://www.nppc.ponyclubvic.org.au/


Current Use

Activity days are held the first Sunday of every month except in January and competitions and camps

are held throughout the year.

Community comment

Parents are asked to assist at rallies by helping in the canteen, cleaning up, helping instructors by

picking up rails, moving equipment packing up etc. The club also holds working bees where it is

hoped to have many helping hands.

Audit Findings

The external condition of the facility is mostly very poor but has some new-build additions. The

kitchen has had some improvements. There is abundant informal parking for cars and floats yet is

remote from the centre of town and other community services and not within reasonable walking

distance to public transport. Overall it is a robust facility suited to the activities.



Key Findings

• The facility is suited to the activities held there.

• The external condition of the facility is very poor but there has been some new build

additions.

• It is not situated near public transport.


St Jude's Tennis Club Inc.

Facility

St Jude’s Tennis Courts, Taylor Street, California Gully

Description

The tennis courts are privately owned by St Jude’s Church California Gully. The site contains a small

clubhouse and the courts are well maintained and have flood lighting.

Current Use

Currently there is only social tennis played at the courts, the club are looking for new members and

management to retain the club and ensure its viability. There were not enough players in the

2013/2014 season to enter a club in the Eaglehawk & District Tennis Association draw.

Community comment

After 75 years of serving the community, the club is on the verge of closing down unless it can

attract new members/players and form a committee.

Audit Findings



The tennis club is now at a crucial stage in its history, either more local people need to become part

of the club or it will fold.

Key Findings

• The tennis courts are privately owned and are ell maintained and have good lighting.

• The club is in need of more members otherwise it will fold.


United Tennis Club46

Facility

United Tennis Club, Haggar Street, Eaglehawk

Description

Two concrete tennis courts are privately owned by the Uniting Church Eaglehawk are located at this

site.

Current Use

The courts are used by Eaglehawk Secondary College and the Uniting Church members play casually

on Wednesday nights. The gates are not locked; the community are free to use them ad hoc. The

United Tennis Club belongs to the Eaglehawk Tennis Association but had no teams this year due to

lack of membership.

Community comment


Audit Findings




Key Findings

• The courts are privately owned and used by Eaglehawk Secondary College and Uniting

Church members.

• The community are free to use the courts.

• The club has a lack of memberships.Eag

46

http://www.eaglehawktennis.org.au/


Truscott Reserve47

Truscott Stadium Eaglehawk Soccer Clubrooms

Facility

Truscott Reserve – incorporating Truscott Stadium and Eaglehawk Soccer Clubrooms, Murdock

Street, California Gully

Description

There are two soccer fields and a large multi-use stadium that has been relocated from the

Eaglehawk Secondary College and refurbished as well as a separate modern facility that is the

Eaglehawk Soccer Clubrooms. There is also a large well equipped playground at the far end of the

reserve. COGB is Committee of Management and the stadium licence and seasonal users are the

Eaglehawk Soccer Club.

Floor Plan – Eaglehawk Soccer Clubrooms

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http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/138543/eaglehawk-reserve-opens-after-12m-redevelopment/


Current Use

Truscott Stadium

A $1.2million redevelopment occurred in 2012 which included dismantling the Eaglehawk Secondary

College's Wes Vine Hall and relocating it to Truscott Reserve. The new-look pavilion includes a new

amenities block, mezzanine level, balcony, kitchen, office, stadium floor, stage and storage. It can

seat up to 300 people. The facility is used for training by the Dragon City Derby Dolls, the Braves,

Eaglehawk FNC and Eaglehawk Soccer Club during wet weather and Badminton is played at the

weekend. A dance group uses the stadium once a week. The facility is hired out for a variety of

different functions.

Dragon City Derby Dolls training sessions are at the ‘Lair’ on Monday’s and Wednesdays 6.30 -

8.30pm and Sunday’s from 6.30pm for new/interested people. Eaglehawk Soccer Club CoM is

currently negotiating with the Roller Derby Dolls for a permanent/yearly booking three days a week.

Bendigo Orchid Society will begin to hold their annual Spring Orchid Show at Wes Vine Hall.

Eaglehawk Soccer Clubrooms

Truscott Reserve is the home of the Eaglehawk Soccer Club who have a number of teams.

The ground is used all year round with seasonal winter and summer agreements with the CoGB for

training in summer and matches in winter. The soccer clubrooms are used for club functions and

presentation nights.

Community comment

The fields need a lighting upgrade and mowing. The mezzanine level at Wes Vine Hall needs a

disabled access lift before it can be utilised; currently applying for grants. There needs to be better

parking as the stadium does not have any formal parking. The Eaglehawk Soccer Club is working

towards some funds to contribute to the project and it is on the CoGB 10 year capital works plan to

be prioritised with all other recreation projects.

The mezzanine level needs a disabled access lift before it can be utilised properly. If there was

disabled access they could hire out the mezzanine level for conferences etc as it has a capacity for

100 people. A permanent screen and projector could be set up. The ESC is currently applying for

grants but so far unsuccessful. It will cost about $60,000 to install the lift. There is a need to provide

car parking especially with increased use of stadium and new fences are required. There is land

there that could be developed into a synthetic pitch for juniors. Secure permanent bookings are a

goal to subsidise soccer membership. Reluctant to hire to just anyone due to

equipment/memorabilia stored in the club rooms.

Audit Findings48

The facility is newly built though there are some unfished areas (upstairs space) and some

landscaping elements are yet to be complete. The first floor is only accessible by stairs. Connections

to the car park area is poor as well as the landscape.


CoGB – propose to upgrade lights to meet Australian standards and upgrade irrigation.

Stage 2 – install lift and fit out meeting room and spectator area.

Key Findings

• The Wes Vine Stadium was relocated from Eaglehawk Secondary College to Truscott Reserve

in 2012.

48

Audit was only conducted on the Wes Vine Stadium


• The Stadium is used by various groups including the Dragon City Derby Dolls, Eaglehawk

Football/Netball Club and Eaglehawk Soccer Club.

• A lift needs to be installed so the mezzanine level can be accessible to everyone and utilised

as a social or spectator area for the soccer fields and stadium.

• Lighting upgrade has been identified.


Appendix A - Eaglehawk Facilities Map



Appendix B - ABS Supporting Data





Appendix C - Bus Routes




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