Shaun Connell, Jessie Doull, Leigh Findlay, Brendan Bicknell, Sam Monaghan and Shane Joules at the opening of Wanganui Oval.
Major lighting and irrigation upgrades have taken place at Wanganui Oval as part of a $432,000 investment in the future-proofing of the new Shepparton venue.
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Dignitaries from Greater Shepparton City Council and AFL Victoria were joined by representatives from Shepparton United Football Netball Club and Shepparton Football Netball Club for the grand unveiling on May 7.
This is the latest revamp that has taken place at the facility on Packham St in recent times, following on from the installation of new modular change rooms, trainers’ rooms and accessible toilets and showers in August 2025.
The blueprint for this venue first came about in the hope of providing a valued community space, especially for schools, local sporting clubs, and families, and to relieve pressure on Deakin Reserve.
In order to ensure the venue thrives as a key component in Shepparton’s sports offering, funding was provided for 100-lux lighting at the site alongside an irrigation upgrade.
It is hoped that these extensive improvements at the oval will help to provide another facility for local football, in particular junior and girls sporting development.
At the official event marking the opening of the revamped facility Mayor Shane Sali described how this investment would make a significant impact in the community moving forward.
“This upgrade supports the growth of football in our region, while helping ease the demand on existing ovals,“ he said.
“A great example of partnerships delivering long-term community benefits.”
Previous improvement works at the Wanganui Oval have included the installation of new modular change rooms.
As the lights were turned on for the first time at the venue, the moment was greeted with cheers from those gathered for the landmark day.
“I love sport, that is no surprise and this is another really important asset that will sit with us,” Sali said.
“It’s exciting to see where the future will lead at Wanganui with the lights and change rooms and, obviously, it’s in a really prominent space within Sports City.
“It’s been many years in the making effectively to improve this asset where we stand here today, and it’s been done with some really good partnerships (such as) AFL Victoria’s contribution, Banmira and the State Education (Department).”
Previously, AFL Victoria Venue and Government Partnerships manager Jessie Doull spoke of the body’s commitment to improving facilities across the state.
“On behalf of the AFL, I would like to thank the various stakeholder groups who have come together to commit to these projects,” she said.
“It’s extremely exciting for the local clubs and communities in Shepparton and Echuca who will benefit from having much improved footy facilities that bring people together.”
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