Eastwood Leisure Complex management bids farewell

The Eastwood Leisure Complex management committee has informed the City of Ballarat that it will no longer oversee the operations of the centre when it reopens for community activity in 2027 following a redevelopment.  

The management committee, which has run the community facility for 80 years, will voluntarily step away from the position next month.

The committee has decided it will cease operating and formally hand over the facility back to the City of Ballarat on December 19, 2025.

The major redevelopment of the facility is due to commence in 2026, which will see the majority of the existing facility demolished and replaced with a contemporary, accessible facility with enormous community benefit.

With the looming redevelopment, Eastwood Leisure Complex committee chair Mark Valentine said it was the sensible time for the reins to be handed to the City of Ballarat.

“The committee is extremely proud of its past record in managing the Eastwood Leisure Complex, but after assessing our skills and abilities and considering the needs for future management, we believe that a new era calls for a new level of professionalism,” he said.

“It has been exciting working alongside City of Ballarat officers to bring together the design of the new complex, which we believe will continue to serve the needs of the large community which calls Eastwood home.  

“The committee recognises and is grateful that the path into the future has been made possible with the financial backing of the City of Ballarat and the Federal Government. This level of funding will transform the site for the betterment of existing and new user groups.”

The project is being constructed in partnership between the City of Ballarat and the Federal Government's Growing Regions Program.  

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves praised the dedication of the Eastwood committee over many decades, having always run the facility as a not-for-profit organisation with community benefit at heart.

“The Eastwood Leisure Complex has been the heart of community life in central Ballarat for many years, and that is mostly due to the tireless work of the management committee,” Cr Hargreaves said.

“We understand the committee’s decision to hand the facility back to the City of Ballarat as we embark on the exciting redevelopment.

“We look forward to delivering a new facility that will bring people together and provide a vibrant, accessible space where our community can connect, learn and thrive.”

Member for Ballarat, Catherine King praised the Eastwood committee for their ongoing dedication to the facility.

“My heartfelt thanks to Mark and the committee for their work in managing Eastwood so well, and for such a long time,” she said.

“Whether through basketball, U3A, holiday care or community get togethers, so many memories and connections have been made here.

“And it’s all thanks to decades of tireless work from volunteers. We can all now look forward to a redeveloped centre that will serve future generations.”

Before the keys are handed over to the City of Ballarat, a special celebration is planned on Saturday 29 November to commemorate eight decades of the community running the facility.

The open will run from 1pm-4pm, with everybody invited for one final nostalgic visit of the facility. Catering and refreshments will be provided.

The City of Ballarat will decide on the future operations of the facility in 2026, with the priority currently on the project’s construction.

Eastwood Leisure Complex, a walk through the ages

Origins and vision (1944–1945) 
The Eastwood Leisure Complex began as the Ballarat Youth Centre, conceived during the final stages of World War II. A public meeting in March 1944 endorsed the idea of a youth centre to support young people transitioning to peacetime life.  

Buildings were donated by the Red Cross and relocated from a military hospital at Victoria Park. These ex-army huts, originally used by American marines, formed the foundation of the centre.

Founding and community involvement (1945) 
The centre officially opened in February 1945, with strong support from local organisations including the Red Cross, YMCA, Girl Guides, Scouts, and various churches and unions.  

Its constitution aimed to foster healthy, well-rounded citizens through leisure, education, and vocational guidance. Early activities included dressmaking, carpentry, gymnastics, and leadership training.

Rapid growth and diverse activities (1945–1950s) 
By 1947, the centre had more than 500 weekly members and hosted a wide range of clubs, from boxing and billiards to ballroom dancing and badminton. It also served as a venue for external groups like the Ballarat Dog Club and Camera Club. The centre became a hub for youth development and community engagement.

Redevelopment and expansion (1960s–1980s) 
The original huts remained in use until the 1970s, when redevelopment began. A new toilet block was built in 1965, and plans for a modern gymnasium were initiated.  

Stage 1 of redevelopment culminated in the construction of the Youth Centre Basketball Stadium in 1979/1980. This facility supported basketball, volleyball, badminton, and netball.

Stage 2 and martial arts facilities (1980s) 
Stage 2, completed in 1986, added a judo room and Olympic weightlifting facility. These upgrades responded to growing demand and included spaces for tai chi, tae-kwon-do, yoga, and dance. A covered walkway and further internal renovations were also completed during this phase.  

The City of Ballarat formally took control of the Eastwood Leisure Complex in 1988 after the Committee of Management of the Ballarat Youth Centre moved to relinquish its license with the State Department of Land and Conservation, transferring it to the City of Ballarat.

Transition to Eastwood Leisure Complex (1990s) 
In 1990, the centre was renamed the Eastwood Leisure Complex and became an incorporated entity. It shifted affiliations and expanded its offerings to include a wider range of community programs. The Wildcats Basketball Club emerged from the original youth basketball group, and new trees were planted along the eastern boundary.

Upgrades and new facilities (late 1990s) 
There were further developments in the late 1990s, including the construction of two new ‘pods’, a portico, and upgrades to the main hall’s roof. These changes improved accessibility and modernised the complex’s appearance. The pre-school relocated to a neighbouring building, and internal renovations enhanced functionality.

Community use and cultural significance (2000s–2020s) 
By the 2000s, the complex hosted more than 100 regular groups and thousands of weekly visitors. Activities ranged from dance and martial arts to support groups and exhibitions.  

The centre became known for its inclusive programming, serving marginalised and diverse communities. Memorial plaques and named rooms honoured key contributors like Ray Borner, Ron Holmes, and Carmel Caligari.

Heritage assessment and community feedback (2023) 
In 2023, a heritage assessment was commissioned in response to proposed redevelopment. While the complex holds deep social value, especially through its ongoing use, the physical buildings were deemed not to meet heritage criteria for protection. Community consultation confirmed strong support for redevelopment, prioritising accessibility, modern facilities, and multi-functional spaces.

Federal Government commits to new community hub (2025)

In January 2025, the Federal Government committed $8.53 million via the Growing Regions Program towards a new community hub at the site. The City of Ballarat will contribute a further $9.01 million towards the $17.54 million project, with works due to start in 2026. The project will see the entire facility demolished and rebuilt, except for the basketball court, which will be retained but reclad.