Darebin community sporting groups are one step closer to getting a huge boost with the appointment of a community partnerships-focused manager of the new Narrandjeri Stadium.

The City of Darebin has appointed Clublinks Management Pty Ltd as operator of the newly constructed Narrandjeri Stadium for four+ years commencing from the stadium’s opening in March 2022.

Clublinks was chosen for their demonstrated innovative programming and community engagement activities targeting diverse groups, with a strong emphasis on increasing health, wellbeing and inclusion outcomes for the local Darebin community.

The contract also includes management of the Darebin Community Sports Stadium from 1 July 2022.

Narrandjeri which means ‘woman leader’ in Wurrundjeri Woi wurrung language, will be a premier community venue that will boost women’s and girls’ participation in sport and their connection within the community by providing;

  • Four new indoor courts; including one show court
  • Four outdoor netball/tennis courts
  • Player change rooms, public amenities and a Changing Place
  • Community meeting and function spaces

This facility addresses a shortfall of indoor court sporting facilities in the municipality, and current lower than average rates of women’s and girls’ participation in sport in Darebin.

Darebin’s participation rate in netball is 2.6% compared to the State 3.0%, and 2.8% for basketball, below the state rate of 4.2%.

City of Darebin’s Mayor Cr Lina Messina said “We are delighted to have secured Clublinks as an operator for the Narrandjeri and DCSS Stadium.

Clublinks has a proven commitment to fostering communities as showcased in their current partnerships, which was very aligned to our vision for this development.

We are very confident in Clublinks’ ability to operate a multi-faceted facility that acts as a hub to which the community can engage within.”

Clublinks CEO Anthony Lawrence said: “Clublinks is thrilled to partner with the City of Darebin in the management of their recreation centres.

Narrandjeri in particular, is a breathtaking facility that will create wonderfully inclusive pathways, connections and memories for the local community for years to come.”

“We manage successful facilities on behalf of partners throughout Australia and are glad to welcome the City of Darebin into our select partnership cohort.”

The development is projected to create more than 116 jobs over its lifetime and contribute $14 million to the economy during construction.

Council is investing $33 million to develop the stadium and related infrastructure. State Government provided $2M as part of the Locals Sports Infrastructure Funding Scheme.

For further information please visit https://www.darebin.vic.gov.au/