The Andrews Labor Government has unveiled a Budget boost that will inspire more women and girls to get involved in sport in Melbourne’s north and give them high-quality facilities to develop their skills.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today announced that the Victorian Budget 2020/21 will include $6.28 million towards a $21 million community education and event centre to be built at Essendon Football Club’s training ground ‘The Hangar’.
The Tullamarine project will fund facilities for female football participation from the grassroots to elite level with Essendon this year affirming its wish to gain entry into the AFLW by 2022.
The centre will incorporate training and competition facilities, as well as space to host community programs to support women and girls in sport.
The project will see the development of four unisex change rooms, a function centre and community education hub. The centre will also continue to be the home of Paralympics Australia.
The Commonwealth Government and Essendon Football Club have provided funding towards the project, with construction scheduled to start in early 2021.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
“This exciting project will inspire more women and girls to get involved in sport and develop their skills.”
“More women and girls are playing football than ever and players in Melbourne’s northern suburbs deserve quality facilities in which to hone their craft.”
Quotes attributable to Essendon Football Club president Paul Brasher
“This funding will enable us to deliver an integrated elite and community sporting precinct.”
“Essendon Football Club will now boast best-practice, dedicated women’s football facilities for our VFLW and women’s pathway programs as we prepare to secure our AFLW licence.”
Reviewed 12 November 2020