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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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 2
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/
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 3
• 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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 4
• 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.
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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)
City of Greater Bendigo
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
City of Greater Bendigo
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
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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.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 7
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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 8
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.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 9
Church Halls
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 10
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 Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 11
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
There are no community comments from the engagement process on this facility.
Audit Findings
No audit was conducted on the 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.
8 http://www.bendigoanglican.org.au/parishes/eaglehawk.html
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 12
Key Findings
• Various community groups use the hall as well as groups who provide services to the
Eaglehawk community.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 13
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
There are no community comments from the engagement process on this facility.
Audit Findings
No audit was 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 hall is unavailable for hire.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 14
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
There are no community comments from the engagement process on this facility.
Audit Findings
No audit was 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 facility has recently been refurbished and is available for hire.
9 http://www.buv.com.au/witness/entry/parsonage-grove-baptist-eaglehawk
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 15
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
No audit was 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.
10
http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/eaglehawk
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 16
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.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 17
Community Halls
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 18
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/
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 19
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.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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 Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 20
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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 21
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.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 22
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
There are no community comments from the engagement process on this facility.
Audit Findings
No audit was 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 hall is not available for general public use.
13
http://www.raobgrandlodgeofvictoriagle.com/upcoming_functions.html
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 23
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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 24
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.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 25
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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 26
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 Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 27
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/
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 28
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 Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 29
Eaglehawk Town Hall Project Committee are working together to determine priorities of ongoing
projects works in relation to the preservation of the building.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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 Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 30
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
No audit was conducted on this facility.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 31
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
No audit was conducted on this facility.
Proposed Future Use/Works
There are no proposed future works for this facility.
18
http://eaglehawkbrassband.org.au/Contact
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 32
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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 33
Community Support Facilities
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 34
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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 35
activities. Some other programs offered at this facility include Mother Goose and Community
Kitchen.
Community Comment
There are no community comments from the engagement process on this facility.
Audit Findings
No audit was conducted on this facility.
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 Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 36
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
There are no community comments from the engagement process on this facility.
20
http://www.eaglehawkcommunityhouse.com/activities/
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 37
Audit Findings
No audit was conducted on this facility
Proposed Future Use/Works
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.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 38
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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 39
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
No audit was conducted on this facility.
Proposed Future Uses/Works
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 Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 40
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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 41
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.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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 Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 42
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/
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 43
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.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 44
Education Facilities
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 45
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
There are no community comments from the engagement process on this facility.
Audit Findings
No audit was conducted on this facility.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 46
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
There are no community comments from the engagement process on this facility.
Audit Findings
No audit was conducted on this facility.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 47
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.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 48
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
No audit was conducted on this facility.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 49
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/
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 50
Community comment
There are no community comments from the engagement process on this facility.
Audit Findings
No audit was conducted on this facility.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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 Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 51
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
There are no community comments from the engagement process on this facility.
Audit Findings
No audit was 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 school has experienced enrolment increase and has a wide range of stimulating and
innovative programs.
29 http://www.ehnps.vic.edu.au/
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 52
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
No audit was conducted on this facility.
30 http://www.eaglehawkps.vic.edu.au/
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 53
Proposed Future Use/Works
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 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 Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 54
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/
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 55
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
No audit was conducted on this facility.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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 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.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 56
Sport & Recreation Facilities
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 57
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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 58
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.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 59
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.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 60
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/
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 61
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.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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 Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 62
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 Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 63
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.
Proposed Future Uses/Works
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.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 64
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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 65
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.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 66
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.
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http://goldengully.vic.cricket.com.au/pageitem.aspx?id=67179
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 67
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
There are no community comments from the engagement process on this facility.
Audit Finding
An audit was not conducted on this facility.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 68
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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 69
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.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 70
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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 71
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.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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 Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 72
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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 73
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.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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 Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 74
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.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 75
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.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 76
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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 77
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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 78
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.
Proposed Future Uses/Works
• 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.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 79
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.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 80
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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 81
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
No audit was conducted on this facility.
Proposed Future Use/Works
There is no proposed future works for this facility.
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.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 82
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
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Neangar-Park-Golf-Club/122692524478204
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 83
Community comment
There are no community comments from the engagement process on this facility.
Audit Findings
An audit was not conducted on this facility.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 84
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/
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 85
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.
Proposed Future Uses/Works
There is no proposed future works for this facility.
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.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 86
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
No audit was conducted on this facility.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 87
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
There are no community comments from the engagement process on this facility.
Audit Findings
No audit was conducted on this facility.
Proposed Future Use/Works
There is no proposed future works for this facility.
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/
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 88
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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Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 89
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.
Proposed Future Use/Works
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
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 90
• 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.
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 91
Appendix A - Eaglehawk Facilities Map
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 92
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 93
Appendix B - ABS Supporting Data
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 94
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 95
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 96
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 97
Appendix C - Bus Routes
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 98
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 99
Eaglehawk Community Facilities Audit and Needs Assessment 100