Local footy and cricket in Highett has a new home ground advantage with the female friendly transformation of the Highett Reserve pavilion now complete.

Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos today joined representatives from Kingston City Council, the Highett Bulldogs Football Netball Club, Bayside Saints Superules Football Club, and the Bayside Stingrays Cricket Club to officially launch the upgrades, made possible by a $325,000 investment from the Victorian Government.

Home to more than 700 players from the Bulldogs, Saints, and the Stingrays, the pavilion upgrades are a boon for local clubs.

Upgrades included a female friendly transformation of the two players’ change rooms and umpire change room to include appropriate facilities for all players and officials, first aid room and storage, covered service area, canopy roof, ramp access and new public amenities.

The redeveloped pavilion not only provides a boost for players and supporters but also new spaces for community groups to gather, meet and develop local programs.

The Victorian Budget 2026/27 is providing more than $24 million to support the development of high-quality, accessible community sports infrastructure across the state.

It’s part of more than $2.4 billion invested by the Victorian Government into community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014.

From oval redevelopments to new pavilions, investments like these are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities.

Nick Staikos MP acknowledged the Kingston City Council for its $1.5 million financial contribution and commitment to delivering the project.

For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit sport.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos

“With the footy and netball season heading towards the finals, local pavilions like these are integral to grassroots sports.”

“The Highett Reserve pavilion upgrade provides local sporting clubs including the Bulldogs, Saints and Stingrays and the wider community with a great new home where everyone can come together and participate in the sports they love.”

“Sport and active recreation facilities are not just good for our physical and mental health, it brings people together, builds communities and provides a real boost to local economies.”