Community sporting clubs in the Dandenong Ranges are another step closer to enjoying better facilities, with Parks Victoria appointing Contek Constructions Pty Ltd to construct new and improved netball courts and cricket nets at the Olinda Recreation Reserve. 

The works make up the final part of an investment of $7.6 million from the Victorian Government to transform the former Olinda Golf Course into 34 hectares of recreational parklands, following the development of the Olinda Precinct Plan in consultation with the community in 2017.  

The project involves refurbishing the existing netball court and constructing a new netball court, supporting infrastructure including lights and shelter, and four new cricket practice nets. These new and upgraded facilities will provide more opportunities for people to connect with each other, get active in nature and participate in community sport.  

Pictured above: Olinda Recreation Reserve, where the new and upgraded netball and cricket facility upgrades will be delivered.

The Olinda Precinct Plan is being delivered in stages, with a nature-based playspace, toilets and picnic facilities completed in 2019, and a new sporting oval and the Olinda Green recreation area completed in 2020. 

Beyond the current works, planning is underway for the next phase of development for the Olinda Precinct thanks to a further $3.4 million in funding from the Victorian Government. These works will see improvements to the carpark, drainage, pathways and access, and will replace the former Golf Clubhouse and Cafe with a new food and beverage offering.  

The implementation of the Olinda Precinct Plan is providing a range of new and improved facilities, experiences and recreational opportunities to benefit both locals and visitors, whilst retaining the stunning environmental values of the surrounding Dandenong Ranges.  

In the neighbouring Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, the re-creation of Phillip Johnson’s award-winning Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda is also nearing completion, and is set to become a major tourism drawcard for the region.  

Subject to on-ground and construction industry conditions, works on the new sporting facilities are expected to commence in early 2023. 

Find out more about the project at the Olinda Precinct Project page.