Community
17 September, 2025
Save our playground
TIMBOON residents have rallied behind a petition to save their Masonic Park Playground after for sale signs went up around the lot.
The sale would include the land where the playground resides as well as the hall behind it, which recently shut its doors prior to going up for sale.
As a passionate member of the community, Linda Pender put a petition up online urging Corangamite Shire Council to purchase the land to keep the playground for residents of Timboon, which has gathered over 150 signatures.
“There won’t be any future for the playground if it sells. It’ll be gone,” she said.
“We have kids and grandkids that come and play here.
“It’s safer for the kids to come and play here than walking to the park down the street.
“It’s been here over 40 years.
“When it goes, where’s the safety spot for the kids?”
Ms Pender claimed the land went up for sale without giving priority to Corangamite Shire Council, which meant they didn’t get the opportunity to buy it first.
“I wrote a letter to the Masonic Lodge people asking if they would let the shire buy the land first,” she said.
“I came home and the signs were being put up for sale.
“If they subdivide it might be safe.
“If they keep the playground and sell the hall area off – but it would be nice to have the whole lot, because the kids kick the footy there and play cricket too.”
Ms Pender has an area set up in the corner of the playground under the trees as a dedicated fairy garden, which she said she was worried would disappear if the land sold.
“I’m worried about the trees,” she said.
“I’d love them to stay because we’ve got lots of bird life.
“We’ve had koalas here too.
“This land was donated by the late Bill Pope to the Masonic Lodge to build the playground.”
Ms Pender’s neighbour Louise Sharp said she was shocked to find out the land was selling.
“I’ve played on this playground since I was little,” she said.
“I’ve always played here and so have my kids.
“We never even go to the other playground down the road.
“It’s been a massive part of our lives.
“It would just be such a waste. It’s such a big space. It would be a shame.”
Corangamite Shire Council mayor councillor Kate Makin said council were considering their options regarding the sale of the land.
“It is a private sale and council are looking at all options that are on the table,” she said
“I really want to put it back onto the Masonic Lodge in providing and giving back to the community and what they can do for the community.
“It is a private development, a private sale, so it all has to go through the proper channels, but council are looking at absolutely every option.”
Western District Newspapers did reach out to Freemasons Victoria for comment but did not receive a response prior to publication.
Read More: Timboon