Today, Golden Plains Shire Councillor Helena Kirby met with Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker MP, Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens MP, and Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Corio, The Hon Richard Marles MP, to officially open the Bannockburn Victoria Park Female Friendly Changerooms Upgrade.
Following the opening of the new Netball Pavilion in September last year and completion of the 2024 football netball season, refurbishments to the existing AFL changeroom facilities commenced to provide female friendly change facilities for umpires, players and Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) amenities. Works also included new ceilings, light fittings, flooring, shelving, seating, locks and painting throughout the entire change facility.
This $1.8M project was a collaborative effort, with the Victorian Government providing $1.1M (Local Community Sport and Recreation Projects) and the Federal Government contributing $690,000 (Investing In Our Communities Program). Council provided the remaining $12,500 of project funding.
Quotes attributable to Golden Plains Shire Councillor Helena Kirby:
“The need for female friendly facilities is a result of the significant growth of female participation in cricket, football and netball within Bannockburn and these change rooms are a fantastic addition to Victoria Park to support women and girls playing sport.
“The change rooms provide accessible, safe and fit-for-purpose facilities for all users, and Council is proud to have worked alongside the State and Federal Governments to deliver this positive outcome for the community.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens:
“Grassroots sports like footy and netball are the lifeblood of this community, and it’s important that the community have modern and accessible facilities so people can come together, enjoy their sports and get active.
“Bannockburn clubs finally have a hub that is welcoming for women and girls and can bring the community together to enjoy the activities they love.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker:
“Grassroots sport is at the heart of so many regional communities and this is particularly true for Bannockburn, and that’s why the upgrade of the netball facilities is such a huge win for locals.
“Bannockburn is a passionate, fast-growing sporting community and the Tigers are so central to the culture of the town – I’m proud of the work the club has put in to make these upgrades a reality and it’s a terrific legacy for the committee, club members and players.
“The difference between the new pavilion and what was here before is night and day – from new changerooms to a first aid room and so much more, this is such a game-changer for the Tigers and netballers across the region.
“I’d like to thank all those at the club who have contributed to this project, and also the State Government for its investment and the Golden Plains Shire for delivering this much-needed upgrade.
“When so many people are doing it tough, community sport offers a place for people to come together, support each other, and enjoy their shared passion for sport – the Albanese Government recognises this and it’s why we’re backing in upgrades for local sporting clubs across the region.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Corio, the Hon. Richard Marles:
"These are important upgrades for Bannockburn and will support players, officials and supporters alike.
"Community sport brings people together and these upgrades for Bannockburn continue to encourage that."