Narrandjeri Stadium officially opened
Published on 13 May 2022
Darebin’s new state-of-the art, sustainably designed sports and leisure facility, Narrandjeri Stadium, has officially opened.
Darebin’s new state-of-the art, sustainably designed sports and leisure facility, Narrandjeri Stadium, has officially opened, providing an exciting new hub for the diverse community to play sport and connect.
Developed by Darebin City Council in consultation with the community, the new stadium is designed to boost people’s participation in sport and community activities, especially women and girls.
Council has invested $31 million into this new $34 million facility and is grateful to have received $2 million towards the stadium and surrounding precinct through the Victorian Government’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, in addition to $1 million from the Inner City Netball Program for the outdoor netball courts.
Today’s official opening began with a Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony performed by Wurundjeri Woi wurrung Elder, Uncle Ringo Terrick, followed by the plaque unveiling by the Victorian Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence, Darebin Mayor Cr Lina Messina and Darebin Councillors.
Mayor Messina said Darebin Council was committed to promoting gender equality for women and girls through sport, by developing inclusive, safe and accessible spaces.
“We know that increasing women and girls’ participation in sport improves gender equality and health outcomes in our community more broadly,” Cr Messina said.
“The need for this new stadium was identified in consultation with community as one of Council’s ‘16 big actions’ in our 2017-2021 Council Plan, and it is a key part of our commitment to making Darebin a vibrant place to live.”
The name ‘Narrandjeri’, chosen by the Darebin community, means ‘Women leader’, recognising Traditional Owners’ history and culture in the area and reflecting the aim of the stadium to boost women’s and girls’ participation in sport.
The brand new facility showcases sustainably designed architecture by Brand Architects and construction by ADCO, targeting a 6-star Green Star rating under the Green Building Council of Australia's sustainability rating system.
The stadium also features a spectacular public art installation by local artist Esther Stewart; whose artwork was designed especially for the stadium and beautifully responds to its unique light, space and architecture.
With a wide range of programs being rolled out by stadium operator Clublinks, Narrandjeri Stadium will provide a welcoming, culturally inclusive space for Darebin’s diverse community, supporting health and wellbeing by encouraging many more people, particularly women and girls, to play sport, get active and connect.
To find out more about Narrandjeri Stadium follow the Narrandjeri Facebook page, or register for updates on the Narrandjeri website.
Watch a video about the new Narrandjeri Stadium.
Darebin Council acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.