The Redan Lions will have the changerooms they need to grow their ranks with new female friendly facilities at Western Oval, funded by the Andrews Labor Government.
Premier Daniel Andrews today joined Minister for Sport John Eren at the oval in Ballarat to announce $100,000 through the Community Sports Infrastructure Fund - Female Friendly Facilities to develop female friendly facilities at the pavilion.
Western Oval is home to the Redan Football Netball Club. While female membership has soared in the past two years, the clubrooms and facilities are inadequate, outdated and run down.
The upgraded pavilion will feature female-friendly change rooms, along with female-friendly umpire rooms to support the growing number of female umpires.
The $450,000 project is being funded in partnership with Ballarat City Council and ground’s sports teams, and will also feature fully accessible facilities for players and visitors of all abilities.
While at the oval, the Premier also viewed the completed lighting and irrigation works developed with $100,000 in support through the Country Football Netball Program and Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.
The lighting significantly extends the hours the oval can be used, allowing greater flexibility and safety in training and scheduling matches. The automatic irrigation system will streamline maintenance at the oval, and significantly reduce water waste.
The funding is part of the biggest investment in women’s and community sport in Victoria’s history, to get more people – particularly women and girls – active and involved in community sport.
The Labor Government has already funded more than 100 female friendly facilities across Victoria, and the Victorian Budget 2018/19 includes more than $100 million to improve facilities and access for women.
Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“These upgrades will be a real boost for local clubs, providing better facilities so they can attract and retain members, and encourage girls and women to lace up the boots and get out there.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“Places like the Western Oval are cornerstones of local communities – that’s why we’re backing them.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
“Women and girls have had to put up with substandard facilities at the Western Oval for too long – thanks to this funding, we’re finally building the first-rate facilities that match the commitment of our local sports teams.”
Quote attributable to Head of the Office for Women in Sport and Active Recreation Dr Bridie O’Donnell
“We’re changing the game for women’s sport in Victoria – building new female change rooms and boosting the number of women on boards and other leadership positions.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020