The Essendon District Netball Association, Riverside Tennis Club and Riverside Golf Club are just some of the organisations set to benefit from $500,000 from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Sport John Eren joined Member for Essendon Danny Pearson at Fairbairn Park today to announce a new female friendly pavilion will be built thanks to the Labor Government’s Female Friendly Facilities Fund.
The new multi-sport modular pavilion is one of 43 projects across Victoria sharing in $15 million from the fund.
Grassroots sports like netball, tennis and golf are as popular as ever especially in growing inner city areas like Ascot Vale. That’s why the Labor Government is delivering the accessible, safe and modern facilities our growing communities deserve.
With more and more sports relying on the park and no pavilion facilities to support local netball and tennis development programs, the site is struggling to cope with the growing number of women and girls keen to play local sport.
The project will replace the ageing southern pavilion with a new multi-sport pavilion complete with four female friendly change rooms, first aid room, umpires change room, public toilets, tournament office, kiosk and storage space. Nearby schools and community groups will also have access to the pavilion once it’s complete.
The Female Friendly Facilities Fund is part of the Labor Government’s strong commitment to sports and active recreation, gender equality and encouraging all Victorians to get out there and get active.
It’s backed by almost half a billion dollars in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 to ensure sport and active recreation continue to be accessible to everyone regardless of gender or location.
Mr Eren and Mr Pearson acknowledged the Moonee Valley City Council for its commitment and financial contribution to the project.
Quote attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“Women deserve the same opportunities as men, and with record numbers of women and girls signing up to play local sport, we’re making sure facilities are up to scratch here in Ascot Vale and all over Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Member for Essendon Danny Pearson
“Local sport is booming in and around Ascot Vale and we want local clubs to have high quality facilities so they never have to turn away a potential member.”
Quote attributable to Head of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation Dr Bridie O’Donnell
"Providing modern facilities is an important factor in increasing participation for Victorian women and girls. I welcome today's funding boost which will inspire more females to join a club in Ascot Vale."
Reviewed 19 August 2020