Sport and recreation in Burnley has been given a boost thanks to $483,707 in funding from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Sport John Eren today announced an extension and refurbishment of Malcolm Graham pavilion at Kevin Bartlett Reserve thanks to the Labor Government’s Female Friendly Facilities Fund.
The reserve, named after the Richmond Football Club’s leading games player, is home to the Collingwood City Football Club, Burnley CYMS Cricket Club and Richmond Union Cricket Club.
However, the existing pavilion is struggling to cope with the growing number of players and the facilities are not up to modern standards or appropriate for women and girls.
A new pavilion featuring two additional female friendly change rooms, accessible toilet, shower, first aid room, storage and a covered spectator shade area will be constructed. On top of this, the existing facilities will be upgraded so they are female friendly and accessible.
The improvements will allow the clubs to grow, provide them greater flexibility and capacity to train, and boost their ability to host competitions.
The funding is part of the Labor Government’s strong commitment to sports and active recreation, and to 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.
Minister Eren acknowledged Yarra City Council for its commitment and financial contribution to the project.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“Growing numbers of boys and girls, men and women are signing up to play footy and cricket at Kevin Bartlett Reserve, but the pavilion is badly in need of an update.”
“More females than ever before are signing up to play local sport, which is great, but we need to ensure local clubs have the facilities they need to cope with demand.”
Quote attributable to Member for Richmond Richard Wynne
“It’s wonderful to see so many people using Kevin Bartlett Reserve, and we want to ensure the clubs that call it home can continue to be a big part of our community.”
Quote attributable to Head of Office for Women in Sport and Recreation Dr Bridie O’Donnell
“We want to support Victorian women and girls so their experiences are the same as boys and men, and the provision of female friendly facilities is a big step in the right direction.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020