- Published:
- Thursday 30 July 2015
Regional Victorian sports clubs can build or upgrade women’s change rooms, as part of the biggest ever investment in women’s participation in sport by an Australian State Government.
Minister for Sport John Eren joined some of the Mooroopna Cats’ players to announce the Andrews Labor Government is getting on with its $100 million Community Sports Infrastructure Fund, which is upgrading sport and recreation facilities across the state for all Victorians.
Even though women are joining grassroots sports in record numbers, their change rooms are too often inadequate or non-existent. Sports traditionally played by men are more popular than ever – AFL Victoria has welcomed 63 new women’s teams this year – but their facilities remain outdated and unfair.
The Labor Government’s $10 million Female Friendly Facilities fund allows clubs to apply for up to $100,000 to build or upgrade women’s change rooms, so regional Victorian players never again have to change in their cars, in canteens or in temporary storage sheds.
Other Community Sports Infrastructure Fund initiatives include upgrading cricket grounds and grassroots training facilities to keep up with growing participation, aquatic centres for families to connect and stay healthy, minor facilities works and planning grants for future projects.
Regional Victorian sports clubs are the lifeblood of our towns, and they deserve modern, safe facilities. The Government promised them, and is getting on with delivering them.
The Community Sport Infrastructure Fund includes $23 million towards community sporting facility projects across Victoria – and many are already under way.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“Community sport is at the heart of regional Victorian towns. Sports clubs are where families connect, communities gather and kids make the memories that stay with them for life.”
“Labor’s investment in facilities such as women’s change rooms will bring clubs up to modern standards and ensure all regional Victorians can play.”
“We’re working to give all Victorians access to the sporting facilities they deserve, regardless of where they live.”