The precinct is the first completed project in Victoria under the AFL’s Breaking New Ground program.
Breaking New Ground is an AFL-led initiative that provides funding for the planning, design and development of Australian rules football facilities.
The new sporting precinct formed a significant component of the planning for the site, including an MCG-sized oval, which is to be used predominantly for Australian rules football, to support the growth of the Echuca junior and senior football programs.
The completed project also includes new 100 lux lighting that allows for safe night-time use, with a $200,000 contribution from the AFL towards the lighting installation.
Ground capacity at Echuca’s current home ground of Victoria Park is under increasing pressure as the clubs grow, with the facilities planned to undergo a large-sale redevelopment, which will temporarily displace both programs.
Echuca Junior Football Club is a major partner on the project and will benefit from its development as the club continues to grow, with more than 320 registered participants.
Year 7, 8 and 9 students have been based at the Kildare campus since the start of 2025, with this new project a boost to the facilities available for students and the broader Echuca community.
The new facilities at St Joseph’s College will become a secondary home for training, with pre-season anticipated to begin in the coming weeks, and eventually the facilities will be able to host competitive matches.
St Joseph’s College, Echuca principal Anne Marie Cairns said the school was thrilled to have a high-quality facility for the entire community to benefit from.
“Tonight’s official lighting switch-on marks a wonderful milestone in what has been a true partnership between education, community and sport,” she said.
“These lights will open up new opportunities for our young people, allowing them to train, play and connect well into the evening.
"The support of the AFL, AFL Victoria and the Echuca Junior Football Club has helped us create a facility that will inspire participation and pride — not only for our students, but for the entire Echuca-Moama region.
“It’s a powerful example of what can be achieved when we work together for a common goal.
"This project is about more than just a football oval. It’s an investment in the health, wellbeing and spirit of our community for many years."
Echuca Junior Football president Jarratt Farley said the new venue represented a proud milestone in the club’s future.
“It’s great to see our juniors getting access to such a high-quality facility,” he said.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing our players learn, grow and enjoy their footy under the lights, with the community right there supporting them.
“With over 320 young players across 12 teams and Auskick, this partnership gives our rising stars access to top-class facilities, including a high-quality playing surface and state-of-the-art lighting — perfect for night games and a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.
“This move ensures the next generation of Echuca Bombers, from Auskick to Under 16s, have the very best environment to develop their skills and love for the game.”
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