Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, said she was proud to confirm funding of $15,000 to provide appropriate change rooms for female competitors using Maddingly Park in Bacchus Marsh.
The funding has been provided to the Maddingly Park Committee of Management under the Stronger Communities Programme.
“More and more women are now playing a wider range of sports including football and cricket and, in a fast growing community like Bacchus Marsh, more can be expected to join them,” Ms King said.
“It is important, therefore, that we provide all the appropriate facilities to accommodate women and girls in the change rooms, including the amenities for umpires.
“The first female football team in the Moorabool Shire is based at Maddingly Park and I congratulate the Committee of Management for acting quickly to bring the change rooms up to the standard demanded under the AFL female change room criteria.
“With upgraded playing facilities at Maddingly Park to accommodate a growing number of junior cricket and football teams, and the inevitable inclusion of teams for women and girls, these improved amenities are essential.”
The funding will support a project expected to cost $30,000 which will provide separate shower cubicles and alterations to the toilets in change rooms for home and visiting teams and the umpires.
“I strongly support the participation of women in any sports that they choose and initiatives such as this are essential to ensure their interests are accommodated,” Ms King said.
Authorised by G. Wright, Australian Labor Party, 5/9 Sydney Ave, Barton, ACT 2600