News and events



Media Releases

View the latest Linked page opens in a new window media releases from the Minister for Sport and Recreation Victoria.


Victoria to host Champions Hockey Event

The Minister for Sport and Recreation, James Merlino, announced that Melbourne would host yet another world-class sporting event, with the Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy to be held at the State Netball Hockey Centre in December 2009. Mr Merlino said the International Hockey Federation (FIH) awarded Melbourne the right to host its most prestigious annual event, the 31st Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy, further enhancing Melbourne’s reputation as the sporting capital of the world. For more information please see the link opens new window media release

Relax, sport should be fun!

A new TV ad campaign turning the tables on inappropriate behaviour by parents in sport was launched by the Minister for Sport and Recreation. The TV ads will run across Victoria from 7 October, view the Golf Ad (WMV 1561 kb). Read more information on link opens new window fair play in sport.

World Championships Deliver Economic Boost and Lasting Legacy

The final report on the 12th FINA World Championships, has shown that the Victorian economy received a $105 million boost from hosting the event, exceeding original expectations. Additionally, the Victorian Government’s contribution to stage the event hailed as the “biggest and best championships of all time” was $2.9 million lower than its projected budget announced in February 2007. Read the 12th FINA World Championship Summary Report (PDF 1.5 mb).


Community Sport and Recreation Achievers Honoured

A 50-year contribution to the sport of baseball has seen Paul Collins of Keilor Park awarded the top honour at the 2007 Sport and Recreation Awards. Mr Collins was presented with the Minister's Award for Lifetime Achievement by the Minister for Sport and Recreation, James Merlino. Read the 2007 Sport and Recreation Awards booklet (PDF 448 kb).


Determination for cricket and Football seasons

Where there is joint tenancy between football and cricket clubs, the Government has facilitated an agreement between Cricket Victoria and AFL Victoria to define the seasonal arrangements. The agreement - called the ‘Determination’ - sets out the respective lengths of the cricket and football seasons and the access arrangements for each sport for ground preparation and practice. For a copy of the document please refer to the Minister's Determination of Seasons 2007 (PDF 1.7mb)


Discretionary watering of sports grounds banned under Stages 3 and 4 water restrictions


Stages 3, 3a and 4 Linked page opens in a new window water restrictions currently in force across the Melbourne metropolitan area and in many regional and country Victorian communities, ban the discretionary watering of lawns and sports grounds.

However, some exempt playing surfaces (PDF 59 kb) may be watered under Linked page opens in a new window Stages 3 and 3a restrictions in accordance with the Drought Response Plan prepared by the water authorities. Exempt surfaces include turf cricket wickets, en-tout-cas tennis courts, bowling or croquet greens, hockey pitches, and golfing tees or greens. Copies of this plan are available from your water authority’s website.

Councils with a Water Conservation Plan (PDF 103 kb) approved by their water authority may seek permission to water sports grounds or vary their watering of exempt surfaces. Generally, one in four sportsgrounds may be watered provided that the water used on the ground is reduced by 25%.

Stage 4 water restrictions ban all watering of sports grounds and surfaces.

Details of water storage levels and restrictions in force throughout Victoria are available from the Linked page opens in a new window Department for Sustainability and Environment or through your Linked page opens in a new window local water authority. Sustainable Water Practices for Sport and Recreation provides examples of using available water more efficiently and options for alternative water.


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