Footballers, cricketers and soccer players in Williamstown and Altona North are getting a $473,750 boost from the Andrews Labor Government to upgrade the pavilions at Fearon Reserve and Paisley Park.
Minister for Sport John Eren today joined Member for Williamstown Wade Noonan to announce the old pavilions at both grounds will be refurbished to accommodate female players and umpires thanks to the Labor Government’s $15 million Female Friendly Facilities Fund.
Fearon Reserve is home to the Williamstown CYMS Seagulls football and cricket clubs, Williamstown Seagulls FIDA Football Club and the Williamstown Imperials Cricket Club. The Seagulls have a long and successful history and have received growing interest from women and girls keen to get involved.
The old club rooms were designed for male use and are inappropriate for women and girls, so we’re re-refurbishing the player and umpire change rooms to make them female friendly and accessible.
Home to the Altona Magic Soccer Club and Altona East Soccer Club, Paisley Park is the premier soccer venue in the area and is capable of hosting National Premier League games, however its old pavilion is inappropriate for females.
This funding package is part of the Labor Government’s strong commitment to sports and active recreation and encouraging all Victorians to get out there and get active.
Across Victoria we've invested more than $420 million in community sport and recreation facilities, and earlier this year provided almost half a billion dollars in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 to support sport and active recreation at all levels.
Mr Eren and Mr Noonan acknowledged Hobsons Bay City Council for its contribution to both projects.
Quote attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“Growing numbers of boys and girls, men and women are signing up to play sport at local clubs, however many clubs are limited by inadequate facilities.”
Quote attributable to Member for Williamstown Wade Noonan
“The Seagulls and the Magic are pillars of the community and these improvements will help them keep welcoming new members, both male and female.”
Quote attributable to Head of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation Dr Bridie O’Donnell
“We want to support women and girls so their experiences are the same as boys and men – female friendly facilities are an important step in levelling the playing field.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020