The Dimboola Football Netball Club has welcomed new female-friendly facilities as the Roos seek to provide first-rate sporting opportunities for women and girls in the Wimmera.
At nearby Nhill, young people are enjoying the benefits of a sparkling new skate park – the projects backed by more than $196,000 support from the Andrews Labor Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Fund and Country Football Netball Program.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today officially opened the new Dimboola FNC rooms and the reserve’s upgraded irrigation system.
The green-and-gold Roos have produced champions including Essendon great Tim Watson and are now part of the revolution that has seen the number of female football teams in Victoria soar past 1000.
The old Dimboola pavilion has been transformed and now has change rooms designed for females, a female-friendly change room for umpires, new first-aid room and upgraded storage. All new facilities are fully accessible.
The project has also delivered a water-saving irrigation system to help in times of low rainfall.
The skate facilities at Jaypex Park in Nhill are a massive boost to the town’s skaters and BMX riders who now have a cutting-edge course for casual fun and a facility capable of staging competitions.
The Community Sports Infrastructure Fund is part of the Labor Government’s commitment to sport and active recreation, gender equality and encouraging all Victorians to get out there and get active.
The Country Football and Netball Program is a Government partnership with the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria. Labor launched the Country Football and Netball Program in 2005 and since then the program has provided more than $26.6 million to 480 projects across the state.
The Andrews Government has invested more than $850 million in new community sport and recreation facilities since 2014.
Hindmarsh Shire Council contributed $112,600 to the Nhill and Dimboola projects.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
“Clubs like the Roos play a key role in country areas and we’re proud to have supported the building of facilities that give an equal footing to women and girls who want to play sport.”
“The pavilion is also available for school use and events, making the club even more central to the community.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“Skate parks and sports facilities are the heart of communities and this is especially true in towns like Dimboola and Nhill.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020