In the heart of Woomelang, in the Mallee region of Victoria, a powerful transformation is bringing people together like never before.

What was once the old football and netball club changerooms – unused for over a decade – has been reborn as a vibrant community gym, thanks to a grant from GrainCorp’s Community Foundation Grants Program.

The project was led by the Woomelang & District Bush Nursing Centre (WBNC), a vital rural health service that has supported the region for decades.

WBNC provides a wide range of services including primary care, chronic disease management, telehealth, emergency response, and community wellbeing programs – all with a focus on keeping people healthy and independent in their own homes.

One missing piece was a community gym.

With new 24/7 access, upgraded power and plumbing, security systems, and an age-friendly bathroom, the new gym is now safe, inclusive, and welcoming to all.

“We just outgrew our old community room,” says Woomelang Bush Nursing Centre Manager Carol Paech. 

“So, we looked at what buildings in town could be repurposed – and this came up as an option. It took three years of collaboration with the football committee and recreation reserve, but we made it happen.”

A space for everyone

The gym has quickly become a hub for health and connection. Locals of all ages now use the space for strength training, rehabilitation, and social wellbeing. Whether people come in groups or on their own, the gym offers a welcoming outlet for movement and community.

WBNC now runs programs for chronic disease prevention, mobility support, and post-injury recovery. Older residents and those with specific health needs benefit from personalised fitness plans. And with local health professionals leading new classes, the quality of care has never been higher.

“Being a 24/7 gym, we needed to make it safe and accessible,” Carol explains. “The GrainCorp grant helped us do everything that was outside our budget – like the electronic fob door, switchboard upgrades, lighting, and security cameras.”

GrainCorp’s support has done more than fund a facility, it’s helped strengthen the social fabric of Woomelang.
“It would’ve taken us another two or three years to fundraise,” Carol adds. 

“Thanks to GrainCorp, the community got access to what it really needed, sooner than we ever expected.”

Strength through resilience

Woomelang has faced its share of setbacks—losing its footy club, golf club, and several local businesses. But the town’s spirit remains unshaken.

“Everyone here is still very passionate about their community,” says fourth-generation farmer, Darrell Boxall. “This gym is proof of that resilience.”

What was once a forgotten changeroom is now a symbol of growth, unity, and wellbeing. And as Woomelang looks to the future, this space will continue to support the health and heart of the town for generations to come.

The GrainCorp Grants program provides financial support to organisations and projects that support positive economic, social and cultural growth, with two funding rounds held per year in February and July. Find out more, here.