Help shape the future of the Wesley Hill Recreation Reserve

Published on 18 February 2026

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Mount Alexander Shire Council is inviting community feedback on concept designs for the upgrade of Elsie Palmer Field at Wesley Hill Recreation Reserve to support both cricket and soccer at the site.

Elsie Palmer Field is home to the North Castlemaine Cricket Club and Council has worked closely with the club to ensure the upgraded design continues to support cricket as a primary user. The concept includes a new synthetic centre wicket, retention of the turf wicket table, and new cricket training nets on the eastern side.

To meet growing demand from the Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club, the shire’s only soccer club, the design also proposes a multi-sport field that accommodates both cricket and soccer, along with improvements for informal community use.

Mayor Cr Toby Heydon said the project aims to create a flexible and inclusive community facility.

“With such fond memories of playing the Red Caps there – though never troubling the scorers much – I know how important Elsie Palmer Field is to our cricket community, and these upgrades will ensure cricket remains a strong and supported presence at the site,” Cr Heydon said.

“At the same time, we’re responding to major growth in soccer participation to create a shared space that works for both sports and the wider community. We want to hear from residents, players, parents and neighbours before the design is finalised.”

What’s proposed

Cricket

  • New synthetic centre wicket
  • Retention of existing turf wicket table
  • New cricket training nets

Soccer

  • Expanded field boundaries to allow for:
    • Two full‑sized pitches
    • Four overlaid junior pitches
  • Coaches’ boxes

Supporting infrastructure

  • New sports pavilion
  • New irrigation and drainage systems to the playing field
  • New sports lighting
  • Improved car parking
  • Landscaping upgrades
  • New local‑level playground
  • Enhanced path network

Why this upgrade is needed

Soccer participation has grown significantly in Mount Alexander Shire – from 215 players in 2010 to 598 in 2025 – placing Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club among Victoria’s top 50 clubs. Their current pitch at Chewton Soldiers Memorial Park is heavily overused, and Elsie Palmer Field requires upgrades to continue supporting junior matches and protect the surface for both sports.

A 2024 Soccer Participation and Facility Feasibility Assessment, supported by the Victorian Government, identified Wesley Hill Recreation Reserve as the most suitable location for expanded soccer facilities. Council resolved in July 2025 to progress the concept design.

Have your say

The community consultation is open until 13 March. Residents can contribute by completing a short survey, attending an onsite information session or by providing a written submission.

Details and links are available at www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/upgrades-wesley-hill-recreation-reserve.

Funding

No construction funding is currently allocated. Council will seek State and Federal funding to support delivery of the project.

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