Council
19 October, 2026
Britnell pledges $1 million for Friendlies
THE long-awaited redevelopment of Friendly Societies Park will be given the green light if a Liberal government is elected next month according to Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell.
Speaking from the facility last week, Ms Britnell pledged $1 million to fund the project.
Friendly Societies Park is home to the South Warrnambool Football Netball Club.
If the Liberals are elected to govern at next month’s state election, this funding commitment would turn the club’s vision into reality by helping deliver a larger, safer and modern playing surface suitable for Hampden Football Netball League.
The project will upgrade the oval to meet AFL standards, remove the old bitumen velodrome, improve drainage and install an automated irrigation system.
The existing oval currently sports a significant slope and is constrained by the disused bitumen track surrounding the playing surface.
Players crossing the boundary at speed currently risk sliding or falling onto the unforgiving asphalt.
Despite years of planning and considerable contributions from the South Warrnambool Football Netball Club, a funding shortfall has prevented the project from proceeding.
Ms Britnell said South Warrnambool was one of the region’s great sporting clubs and deserved a home ground that reflected its proud history, strong participation and significant contribution to the community.
“This commitment forms part of the Liberals’ plan to invest in community sporting infrastructure and ensure regional clubs receive modern, safe and fit-for-purpose facilities,” Ms Britnell said.
“Warrnambool City Council had already committed funding towards the project but to complete the works this final funding was needed.
“South Warrnambool Football Netball Club has done the planning and committed significant resources. A Liberal Government will provide the missing $1 million and finally get this project across the line.
“Generations of South Warrnambool families have worked, fundraised and volunteered for this club. They have waited long enough to see this project completed.”
Ms Britnell believes this redevelopment will create a safer, larger and more professional playing surface capable of supporting junior, senior and female football at the standard expected in the Hampden league.
“Friendlies is steeped in history, but its playing surface belongs to another era. It is time to remove the dangerous asphalt, correct the significant slope and create the first-class oval these players deserve.
“South Warrnambool has produced champions, built lifelong friendships and brought this community together for generations. We will deliver a modern home ground worthy of the mighty Roosters and their remarkable legacy.”
