Football Victoria (FV) has welcomed the commencement of construction on the Gippsland Sports & Entertainment Park (GSEP) redevelopment – made possible under the Victorian Government’s Regional Sports Infrastructure Program – a major win for the football community across the Latrobe Valley and broader Gippsland region.
The start of construction under head contractor Building Engineering marks a significant step forward in delivering a modern, inclusive, and high-quality home for football in the region.
“This is a crown jewel project for regional football in Victoria,” said Lachlan Cole, FV's Head of Government Relations & Strategy. “The upgraded Gippsland Sports & Entertainment Park will ensure that local clubs like Falcons 2000, Gippsland United FC and the wider Latrobe Valley football community have the facilities they deserve to grow and thrive, while strengthens Gippsland’s capacity to host regional tournaments and showcase events.”
The GSEP site holds a rich place in Victorian football history, from the proud legacy of the former Morwell Falcons SC on the national stage in the NSL, to the contributions of the late Don Di Fabrizio OAM - a prominent and valued member of the community who was president of the club from 1969 to 1994 and former Commissioner for the Australian Soccer Federation (ASF).
Importantly, the new grandstand pavilion will continue to bear the name of Di Fabrizio, recognising the significance of his contribution to the community.
The project will deliver a new grandstand pavilion with accessible change rooms and amenities, upgraded pitches with new lighting, a new change facility and expanded car parking. The development is also set to create economic benefits through job creation and local business opportunities both during and after construction.
“Football Victoria is proud to partner with key government stakeholders and the local football community on this transformative upgrade,” Cole added. “We thank Minister Shing, Minister Spence, and the Allan Labor Government for their continued investment in football and regional sport infrastructure.
"The vision and support of Sport and Recreation Victoria, Development Victoria, and Latrobe City Council has been instrumental in getting this project off the ground.”
The redeveloped precinct will continue to serve as a hub for the Latrobe Valley Soccer League, the Gippsland Referees Branch, and future regional football talent through both community football and FV pathways and events.
FV looks forward to the completion of works in late 2026 and the positive legacy this investment will create for generations of footballers in Gippsland.