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    OFFICIAL: From left, Navarre Sports Association secretary Barry Fletcher, Northern Grampians Shire councillor Murray Emerson, Member for Ripon Martha Haylett, deputy Mayor Justine Hide, Mayor Karen Hyslop and Navarre Football Netball Club president Luke Martin at the official unveiling of the $2.1-million Navarre Recreation Reserve upgrade.

Reserve upgrade a win for Navarre

15 April 2026

The Navarre community is celebrating with the completion of a $2.1-million redevelopment of the local recreation reserve.

The reserve plays host to Navarre Sports Association, which incorporates Navarre Football Netball Club and Navarre Cricket Club, while also serving as a community hub for non-sport users including Navarre Historical Society, Landcare, Country Fire Authority, Navarre Primary School and local church groups.

The upgrade, designed to increase participation in sport and ensure long-term sustainability for the reserve’s clubs, was funded by $1.45-million from Northern Grampians Shire Council, $600,000 from the State Government’s Local Community Sport and Recreation Projects Fund and $50,000 from Navarre Sports Association.

Mayor Karen Hyslop said the project was an outcome of the Navarre community plan and reflected the community’s strong advocacy and clear priorities.



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The project includes four female-friendly change rooms with amenities; two female-friendly umpires change rooms with amenities; an upgraded function and social space; and upgraded public amenities. All facilities conform to AFL, Cricket Australia and Netball Victoria standards.

“Importantly, this reserve serves a much broader purpose than sport alone,” Cr Hyslop said.

“It is a true community hub, used by a range of local groups, and this upgrade strengthens the reserve’s role as a shared space that brings people together and supports the wider Navarre community.

“Planning and design for this project commenced in 2022, and it is a pleasure to now see the project completed and ready to be enjoyed by the community.”

Navarre Sports Association secretary Barry Fletcher said the opening was an important milestone for the community.

“This has been a very long time in the making, as all these important projects are,” he said.

“It’s been a very rewarding process – I’ve been heavily invested in this project since day one. 

“Navarre is an incredibly special place and that’s primarily because of the community and the culture that’s existed here for generations.”

The entire April 15, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!