We have joined with the other community sporting clubs based at the historic Brunswick St Oval to demand the City of Yarra begins long overdue works on modern facilities before this year’s council elections, warning six years of delays risk driving girls and women away from community sport.

In 2018, the State Government allocated $6.5 million to build a permanent home for the Fitzroy Junior FC, Fitzroy Football Club and Edinburgh Cricket Club at the historic Brunswick St Oval. An extra $6.3 million was allocated in the 2022 state budget to complete the project because of the council’s delays.

Despite the allocation of nearly $13 million of taxpayer’s money the City of Yarra has failed to advance the project, with three different architects and three different project managers used.

The clubs that have revitalised usage of Brunswick St Oval, which was home to Fitzroy Football Club until 1966 and Fitzroy Cricket Club until 1986 and feel betrayed and frustrated by the continued delays.

More than 1500 people play sport at the three clubs – including many from local public housing estates. Thousands more volunteer and support the clubs, who are part of the fabric of the community yet continue to operate without permanent club facilities.

Read the joint media release here.