Regional Development Victoria

Landy Field Pavilion reaches highest point

01/07/2026

A render of a two-storey pavilion at an athletics track

John Landy’s act of sportsmanship at the 1956 Australian Mile Championships is immortalised in a statue at Olympic Park. During the race, he stopped to help fellow runner John Clarke after he fell and still went on to win.

Now his legacy lives on at Geelong’s John Landy Athletics Field and in the $10 million upgrade of its pavilion which is nearing the finishing line.

Achieving a major milestone in its transformation – construction of the new pavilion has reached its highest point.

Originally built in 1979, the John Landy Athletics Field pavilion has served generations of aspiring athletes for nearly 50 years.

Now it’s getting ready to serve more, as construction nears completion before the end of the year.

The pavilion will feature new and upgraded spaces, including:

  • a competition office
  • change rooms
  • a canteen and kiosk
  • multi-purpose rooms for athletes, students and community groups

Community remains at the heart of John Landy Athletics Field. That’s why the pavilion will also be available for schools, events, special workshops, training days, clinics and sport-related medical services.

Already home to more than 1,000 regional athletes, the pavilion will provide a new home base for Geelong Little Athletics, Geelong Athletics and Barwon Sports Academy.

It will also support more track and field sports. These include shot-put, discus, javelin, high jump, long jump and pole vault.

Jobs and local businesses are also being supported. Up to 185 construction jobs have been created and local businesses engaged to support the works including head contractor Plan Group.

The project is backed by $5 million through our Council Support Package and $5 million from the City of Greater Geelong.

It builds on our other investments in the region through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, including:

  • Tarratarra Stadium in Armstrong Creek
  • Waurn Ponds Sports Complex
  • new hockey facilities at Stead Park.

Our Council Support Package is helping rural and regional Victorian towns and cities grow, keeping locals active and connected. It’s part of more than $50 billion in support for regional Victoria in just over a decade.