Sporting groups in our region will be able to apply for funding for new or improved women’s change rooms and amenities, thanks to new funding committed under the NSW Government’s $2 billion Regional Growth Fund.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said $50 million will be available for women’s sporting facilities, including change rooms, under the $100 million Round Four of the Stronger Country Communities Fund, with applications to open in May 2021.
Mr Saunders said a lack of quality facilities can be a barrier for women interested in playing community sport and this funding will deliver the facilities that help to promote participation in a wide range of sports.
“Women’s sport is huge in the Dubbo electorate and the NSW Govenrment is committed to doing everything we can to ensure participation rates continue to rise,” he said.
“I know in some areas, change rooms and toilets at sportsgrounds have been designed for men, or the few local female amenities are in poor condition, which can be a barrier to female participation in sport.
“This will be a great opportunity for clubs in the Dubbo electorate to establish new facilities that will help women to feel more welcome.”
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said long gone are the days of men’s only soccer, AFL, rugby and cricket, and women deserve the same standards when they play.
“We are building a safer and stronger regional NSW and building these new facilities will increase participation and allow women and girls to receive the social and health benefits associated with sport,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Women have been flying the flag for Australian sport with our international teams achieving incredible status on the world stage, and many of these athletes come from regional communities.
“Access to designated female change rooms will be a huge benefit to our future Matilidas, Opals, Hockeyroos, Jillaroos and Wallaroos, as well as grassroots athletes.”
Further details about Round Four of the program, including guidelines and eligible applicants, will be available on the Regional Growth Fund website in coming months.