Heavy lifters, local Ballarat business helps upgrade Mars Stadium

News
Published: 6 August 2026

For more than 50 years Ballarat-based company Plinius Engineering has been delivering high-quality projects for governments and large corporations all over the country. And now it is working on its biggest and most complex project, thanks to our Regional Sports Infrastructure Program.

The steel fabrication company is responsible for providing steel structures for the upgrades at Mars Stadium in the Ballarat Major Events Precinct. It is set to be completed later this year.

Plinius Engineering Managing Director, Andrew Vandebyl, said the company  is a trusted name in the steel fabrication industry. They are based in Canadian, a suburb on the outskirts of Ballarat. They offer a complete range of services from design and 3D modelling to on-site installation and quality control.

‘One of the most complex tasks we did at Mars Stadium was installing the roof structure of the 2 new grandstands,’ he said.

Since work began in early 2025, Plinius has created 14 additional positions. It includes roles for:

  • women
  • young apprentices
  • Indigenous workers.

For many Plinius Engineering workers, the Mars Stadium project is more than just close to home — it is personal.

‘We have up to 11 installers, including 2 from Plinius who play football at the stadium,’ Andrew said.

‘Some of our guys would work on Mars in the morning and then stay on for a game in the afternoon.’

A star is also in the making with school-based employment placement Jovie Skewes-Clinton being recently drafted into the AFLW for the West Coast Eagles.

‘We look forward to welcoming her back here at some stage, playing at the stadium she had a part in.’

The overall upgrades to the Ballarat Major Events Precinct include:

  • an extra 5,000 permanent seats
  • improved accessibility
  • a new athletics track

The precinct will attract more events and visitors to the region for years to come.

It is one of 5 Regional Sports Infrastructure Program projects in Ballarat and one of 18 across regional Victoria.

It is expected to be completed in late 2026.