Deloraine’s Historic Racecourse Rides Again, This Time for the Community

Deloraine unveils new Racecourse Recreation Precinct

From finish line to fresh start, one of Australia’s oldest racecourses is back in the running as a revitalised community recreational space.

Acting Meander Valley Mayor Stephanie Cameron joined the Hon Rebecca White MP, Meander Valley Councillors, Council staff, children from local Deloraine schools and members of the community to celebrate a fresh start for the historic track at the official opening of the Deloraine Racecourse Precinct.

“This precinct is so much more than some new walking trails and a fresh new play space,” Acting Mayor Cameron said. “It’s about creating a place where people can come together, to get active, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy being part of our community.”

The redevelopment has transformed the former racecourse into a welcoming public space that balances heritage preservation with modern community use. The project has created a new public space featuring walking tracks, parkland, and all‑ages play space, amenities and historical wayfinding, while retaining significant heritage elements including the original grandstand, start gate and replica steeples.

“The heart of Meander Valley has always been our sense of community, and this space is a testament to that spirit,” Acting Mayor Cameron said.

The Deloraine Racecourse is one of Australia’s oldest existing racecourses, with the final race meet held in March 2005. Following its closure, the site remained largely unused for almost two decades before community consultation commenced in October 2023 to help shape its future.

The redevelopment was guided by strong local input, including ongoing support from the Deloraine Turf Club and community members with longstanding connections to the site, who contributed stories and insights reflected in the historical wayfinding signage throughout the precinct.

Demolition to make way for the new development began in late 2024, with revitalisation works also commencing that year.

The project was delivered through a partnership between the Australian Government and Meander Valley Council. The redevelopment represents an investment of more than $4 million, including $3.35 million from the Australian Government under the Community Development Grants Programme, with Council contributing more than $800,000 and leading project delivery.

“I’d like to sincerely thank the Australian Government for its funding support, without which this project would not have been possible,” Acting Mayor Cameron said. “Council is proud to have made a significant local investment to ensure the successful delivery of this project.”

Hon Rebecca White MP said it was wonderful to see such an important part of Deloraine’s history given a new life in a way that respects its past while creating a welcoming space for the community.

“For people across the Meander Valley this is now a place to come together to enjoy a walk, spend time with family, enjoy a BBQ or a play at the park,” Ms White said.

“Investment in community spaces like this helps ensure towns like Deloraine continue to be places where people can stay active, connected and proud of where they live.”

Today, the Deloraine Racecourse Precinct stands as a shared space where heritage, recreation and local stories come together, ensuring the historic site continues to play an important role in the life of the Meander Valley for many years to come.