Deep Rock Pavilion upgrades
Project status
- Tender designs have been developed and finalised, and will be released in the coming months. You can learn more about these here.
- Consultation with local sporting clubs has influenced the designs. Read more about this here, or view the full engagement summary report (PDF).
- Cultural heritage assessments have started.
Last updated: March 2025
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The project
This project is being delivered on Wurundjeri Country.
The Deep Rock Sporting Precinct is located in Yarra Bend Park, on Wurundjeri Country in Melbourne’s inner northern suburbs. It includes the Sir Herbert Olney Oval, the Deep Rock Pavilion and surrounding sports fields.
The Victorian Government is investing $1 million to create more inclusive facilities at the pavilion, with plans to deliver more modern, accessible, and female-friendly toilets and change rooms.
Environmental and cultural heritage assessments will inform exactly where, when and how components of the project are delivered.
Project benefits
Women and girls will have more opportunities to participate in community sport, by providing female-friendly facilities such as showers, toilets and change rooms.
Sporting clubs who currently use the pavilion will have access to more modern and accessible facilities.
Project funding
The Victorian Government is investing $1 million to upgrade the Deep Rock Pavilion, as part of the Better Parks and Playgrounds Program and the Community Support Fund.
Environment and cultural heritage management
Yarra Bend Park is a significant place for the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people. The park also has historical significance that needs to be preserved.
We will work with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation in the planning of the upgrades, to develop a Cultural Heritage Management Plan or to obtain a Cultural Heritage Permit if required. We will also work with Heritage Victoria and Council to obtain any permits required to undertake works to the pavilion.
Who are we working with?
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
Key stakeholders, including local sporting groups
Access changes
At stages during this project we may need to restrict or redirect access to certain sections of the Deep Rock Sporting Precinct. We’ll update this page and on-site signage to inform visitors of any access changes that may come into effect.
Before visiting any park you should also check the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website for any change of conditions.
Putting safety first
Visitor safety is our number one priority when considering risk in parks. While nature will always be unpredictable, our projects and maintenance works help minimise risks and help people explore the great outdoors safely.
Parks Victoria is responsible for continuously managing and maintaining over 50,000 pieces of infrastructure across the state annually. We’re also delivering new projects to help visitors get into nature. These are thoroughly planned and prepared to keep people and projects separate – and safe.
When visiting a park where projects are happening, especially during construction, it’s important that people follow the direction of signs, stay out of fenced and restricted areas, and listen to Parks Victoria staff and work crews.
Staying updated
We'll update this page regularly with project updates as it progresses. You can also subscribe for updates or contact the project team at engage@parks.vic.gov.au or call us on 13 1963.
Related information
- October 2023: More inclusive facilities on the way for Deep Rock Pavilion
- October 2023: Engagement summary report stage 1 (PDF)
- Media release, October 2022: More inclusive facilities for Northcote
- Better Parks and Playgrounds Program
- Yarra Bend Park
FAQs
What is the Deep Rock Pavilion upgrades project?
The Victorian Government is investing $1 million to upgrade the pavilion at Deep Rock Oval at Yarra Bend Park on Wurundjeri Country.
What is being upgraded as part of the project?
The upgrades will provide modern, accessible, female friendly facilities such as changerooms, showers and toilets.
What community consultation is taking place?
The first round of consultation with local sports clubs was completed in September 2023. Feedback will be used to inform what works are included in the project, and how the internal layout of the pavilion is designed. You can read the engagement summary report here (PDF). We will continue to keep the community informed on the designs and seek further feedback as the design are developed.
Will there be any impact on the sport clubs, players or general public during the works?
During the upgrades access to the pavilion will be impacted. We will work with sport clubs to minimise any disruptions. Any access changes will be published on the Parks Victoria website.
How are you protecting the site’s cultural heritage?
We will work with Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation on the planning of the works to develop a Cultural Heritage Management Plan or to obtain a Cultural Heritage Permit if required. We will also work with Heritage Victoria and Council to obtain any permits required to undertake works to the pavilion.
When will the pavilion upgrades be finished?
Cultural, statutory, heritage and environmental assessments guide exactly what, where and when we can deliver, and sometimes timelines are impacted by on-ground and industry conditions. Delivery timeframes will be updated once approvals, requirements and conditions are fully understood.