The Essendon Football Club has welcomed today’s commitment by the Victorian Labor Party to invest $10 million towards the redevelopment of Windy Hill, as part of a broader package supporting women’s football and community sport.

The $10 million commitment will contribute to the continued precinct-wide redevelopment of Windy Hill, the Club’s spiritual home, and an important community sporting hub in Melbourne’s north-west.

The Club has long advocated for investment in the Windy Hill precinct to meet the growing needs of its AFLW, VFL and VFLW programs, while providing improved facilities for the local sporting clubs, schools and community groups that use the venue each week.

Essendon will continue to work with all levels of government, the AFL and local council to bring its vision for Windy Hill to life.

Essendon CEO Tim Roberts said the commitment was an important step forward for the precinct.

“Windy Hill is where so much of Essendon’s story has been written, and this commitment is an important step towards ensuring it remains at the heart of our Club and community for generations to come.

“Our AFLW program continues to grow, and investment in the Windy Hill precinct will help us achieve our vision of creating an elite facility that supports women’s football at every level.

“We thank the Victorian Labor Party for recognising the importance of this project and look forward to continuing to work with all levels of government and the AFL to make this vision a reality.”