MORNINGTON’S Alexandra Park Pavilion redevelopment has taken home a prestigious state accolade from AFL Victoria.
The $10.5 million upgrade was made possible thanks to the Mornington Peninsula Shire, community groups, state and federal governments and AFL Victoria.
The new-look pavilion, which opened late last year, had matches return on ground this season, marking a turning point for one of the region’s busiest sporting precincts.
In recognition of its success, the project was announced as the winner of the 2025 AFL Victoria Best Community Football Facilities Project Award on 3 December.
AFL Victoria venue and government partnerships manager Jessie Doull said she was thrilled to acknowledge the redevelopment of Alexandra Park Pavilion “as the deserving winner”.
“As football participation continues to grow in Victoria, it’s important that our facilities evolve to support increased demand. This redevelopment supports the growing football programs here in Mornington and also provides a community hub for the wider Mornington population to enjoy,” she said.
A major driver behind the redevelopment was the Alexandra Park project group, a volunteer committee that raised $400,000 in community donations.
AFL Victoria also contributed $100,000, helping push the project across the line. Larger funding partnerships added further momentum, including a partnership with The Bays Healthcare and the federal government’s
Community Health and Hospitals Program, which saw $2.6 million contributed to the shared facilities, along with $4.5 million from the Mornington Peninsula Shire, and $2.9 million from the state government’s growing suburbs fund.
Alexandra Park project group president Mick Wunderly said it was a “fantastic achievement showing what can be done when the community, government and council come together”.
The redevelopment was undertaken to fix long-standing issues with the ageing pavilion, which previously had open showers, cramped change rooms, limited unisex facilities and very little space for social events.
Now complete, the two-storey building has been transformed into what AFL Victoria described as a premier community and sporting hub.
It features purpose-built football and cricket amenities along with allied health and medical suites. The pavilion now includes gender-neutral home and away change rooms, complete with shower and toilet cubicles, medical and trainer rooms.
Mornington Junior Football Club, Mornington Football Netball Club and the Peninsula Raiders AFL Masters are already reaping the benefits.
Since reopening, the Alexandra Park clubs have reported a five per cent rise in total participation, with more than 750 locals now involved in football programs.
Registrations from women and girls have also grown by four per cent compared with 2024.
The AFL Victoria Best Community Football Facilities Project Award is presented annually to highlight excellence in community sport infrastructure and to recognise the clubs, councils and volunteers delivering standout projects across the state.
Alexandra Park will now be put forward as the Victorian nomination for the national AFL Ken Gannon Community Football Facilities Award.
First published in the Mornington News – 9 December 2025
