MORNINGTON PENINSULA — A long-time local sporting volunteer has contacted STPL News in response to our recent reporting on the Hastings Club, sharing detailed concerns about widespread neglect of grassroots sporting facilities across Western Port Area, specifically Somerville, Tyabb and Hastings.

The writer, who asked to remain anonymous to avoid risking future support for the clubs involved, has served as a committee member, secretary and president across multiple footy and cricket clubs.

In his letter, he said:

“I have taken a strong interest in your reports regarding the Hastings Club and its impact on the Hastings community.”

He went on to describe what he sees as a broader crisis:

“The sporting facilities across the Peninsula are a disgrace and should be an embarrassment to all levels of government. These clubs provide a focal point for young people and their parents and they are treated with absolute disdain.”

Somerville: Longstanding Issues and Club-Funded Solutions

• Much of the infrastructure at Jones Road has been paid for by the club or through donations.
• The latest upgrade was to the cricket nets. The club advised council to remove dead trees surrounding the area, but this was ignored. In November, a large branch fell on the nets and was not removed until March.
• A roof leak in the social rooms has been ongoing for several years. The Shire has been contacted multiple times, but water continues to pour into the building when it rains.
• The Somerville Junior Netball Club operates from a portable with limited heating and cooling, only one toilet hidden from view, and very little storage.
• The netball club pays for its own court resurfacing.
• At Barber Reserve, although portables were installed for the soccer club, this has reduced access to the ovals for Aussie Rules. Soccer goals are left out and subject to vandalism. The nearby toilets are in poor condition and urgently need upgrading, especially given their proximity to the playground.
• At Fruitgrowers Reserve, drainage has worsened since the skate park was installed, causing flooding. A net behind the goals, intended to protect the skate park, does not cover the full width of the goals.
• There is not one dedicated soccer pitch in Somerville, Tyabb or Hastings, despite the presence of a thriving soccer club and suitable space at Clarendon Drive Reserve.

Tyabb: Delays, Safety Risks and Incomplete Facilities

• The recent refurbishment of the social rooms involved long delays and cost overruns, significantly impacting both senior and junior football clubs. With no access to a canteen or social rooms, the clubs lost tens of thousands of dollars. Their request for funding support from the Shire was denied.
• The rear oval has no facilities—not even a tap, shelter or change space. A local community group has recently funded some works, but there has been no council support.
• The oval is used by the youngest players, and the clubs have requested portables to provide change areas, umpire facilities and a first aid shelter, but nothing has been provided.
• The unsealed driveway is in such poor condition that Ambulance Victoria has advised a helicopter may be required if a player were to suffer a spinal injury.
• Central Reserve has also been used as a soccer venue, limiting access for junior and women’s football teams.
• The Tyabb Masterplan, created in 2012, is still far from complete.
• At Bunguyan Reserve, the septic tanks often overflow, releasing raw sewage near the children’s playground.

A Call for Change

“These clubs help thousands of people enjoy sport across our communities and have been neglected for far too long. To see a club like Hastings, with its long and proud history, on its knees without any help from our Shire or government is appalling.”

The writer expressed hope that this issue could become a unifying force:

“This story has the ability to unite our communities and show our representatives that families have had enough, and we want to be active within our community with facilities that are clean, functional and appropriate for 2025.”

STPL News is currently looking into the concerns raised. Community members with experiences to share can contact us at [email protected] or call (03) 8692 0080.