L-R: John Thompson, (Club Development Lead - AFL Goulburn Murray), Brendan Bicknell (President - Shepparton Bears Football Club), Cr Shane Sali (Mayor Greater Shepparton City Council), Jessie Doull (AFL Venue and Government Partnerships Manager - VIC), Fiona Le Gassick (CEO Greater Shepparton City Council), Brad Atholwood (AFL Schools and Innovative Venue Growth Lead – VIC), Shepparton United FNC representatives, Shaun Connell, (Region Manager - AFL Goulburn Murray). Image: Greater Shepparton City Council.
AFL Victoria is proud to have partnered with Greater Shepparton City Council in its redevelopment of Wanganui Oval, through the AFL's Breaking New Ground funding program.
The $432,000 project was officially opened by the Greater Shepparton City Council on May 7, 2026, marking a significant milestone in delivering improved sporting infrustructure for the community.
Delivered in partnership with the Coucil, the project has provided new 100 lux sports lighting and a modern irrigation system, transforming the oval into a high-quality training facility for local football clubs.
The upgraded oval will serve as an overflow training venue for Goulburn Valley League clubs, including Shepparton United Football Netball Club and Shepparton Football Netball Club, helping ease demand on existing ovals across the municipality.
With the project completed earlier this year, local junior and women’s teams have already benefited from having a dedicated training base.
AFL Victoria Venue and Government Partnerships Manager, Jessie Doull said:
"We're really proud to support Council's redevelopment of Wanganui Oval and to see it officially launched for the local community. We've seen really good participation growth across Shepparton, so being able to access and upgrade these facilities that provide a safe environment to continue to grow and nurture football in this region is fantastic," Doull said.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the upgrade demonstrates Council’s commitment to supporting participation in sport and creating inclusive, accessible community spaces.
“This investment ensures Wanganui Oval can support the continued growth of football in our region, particularly for junior players and women and girls. It’s about providing opportunities, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and strengthening our community connections through sport,” he said.
“This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through partnerships. Council and AFL Victoria have worked together to deliver a facility that will benefit our community for many years to come.”
About Breaking New Ground
The AFL Breaking New Ground funding program aims to increase access to quality Australian Rules Football facilities by partnering with local governments, educational institutions and other landowners who want to help their communities deliver better sporting facilities and create more opportunities for communities to be healthy and active.