To celebrate “Urban October”, Parks and Leisure Australia (VIC/TAS) is teaming up with SPORTENG to host educational seminars in two major regional locations in Victoria to recognise World Habitat Day (7th Oct) and World Cities Day (31st Oct).
The seminars, titled “Doing more with less – How to make your Fields of Play resilient to cater for mother nature and intended level of use” will focus on upskilling attendees in field of play management, while taking a site tour of two recently developed facilities.
→ Learn about the effective solutions to enhance field resilience: turf management plans, including site assessments, stormwater management, and regular maintenance practices.
→ Learn how to improve the playability and longevity of your sports fields despite adverse weather conditions.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your knowledge or seeking specific solutions, these seminars are a must-attend event for anyone responsible for fields of play.
The new multi-use pavilion and upgraded soccer pitch at Bellbird Park in Drouin were officially unveiled to the community on 11 August 2024.
The Bellbird Park East pavilion and new carpark project is valued at $4.97 million, with a Council contribution of $2.97 million and a $2 million contribution from the Victorian Government through its Growing Suburbs Fund. The new soccer pitch was also delivered thanks to equal contributions of $800,000 each from Council and from the Victorian Government’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund- Female Friendly Facilities stream.
The new pavilion, which is home to the West Gippsland Hockey Association and the Drouin Dragons Soccer Club and a new satellite venue for the Drouin Cricket Club, delivers a female friendly multi-use community facility including:
- A commercial kitchen, audio visual equipment, flexible room configurations and access to male, female and accessible toilets.
- Four new player change rooms with access to inclusive amenities.
- Two rooms for officials with amenities.
- Storage spaces.
- First aid room.
- Office/meeting room.
- Two canteens, and
- A drop-off zone.
The facility will also provide a community events space and contribute to the implementation of plans for the Drouin Community Hub.
This event is proudly brought to you in partnership with
About the Initiatives
 | Urban October Urban October is an opportunity for everyone to be part of the conversation about the challenges and opportunities created by the fast rate of change in our cities and towns. Each October, everyone interested in sustainable urbanization from national and local governments to universities, NGOs and communities is encouraged to hold or participate in activities, events, and discussions. The month begins with World Habitat Day on the first Monday of the month, and ends with World Cities Day on 31 October. In recognition, Parks and Leisure Australia (VIC/TAS) is teaming up with SPORTENG to host seminars on each day. |
 | World Habitat Day World Habitat Day is marked on the first Monday of October each year and is recognized by the United Nations. World Habitat Day was first celebrated in 1986 to reflect on the state of towns and cities and is intended to remind the world that everyone has the power and the responsibility to shape the future of towns and cities. |
 | World Cities Day World Cities Day brings Urban October to an end on 31 October each year and was first celebrated in 2014. World Cities Day is an annual United Nations observance day which aims to promote the international community’s interest in global urbanization. The observance day ties in with Sustainable Development Goal 11, to make cities “inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”. |