The funding will provide new and improved amenities for women and girls at Corowa Rutherglen Football Netball Club who currently don’t have access to adequate changeroom facilities.
Member for Albury Justin Clancy paid a visit to the club on Monday to announce the grant which is of the state government’s $100 million Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Up to $50 million to be made available for the delivery and enhancement of women’s sporting facilities, including change rooms as a lack of adequate facilities can be a barrier to female participation in sport.
It’s part of a wider plan to ensure women and girls feel comfortable playing sport at all levels, with the government also spending
“For women and girls to have their own area to safely change and have as their own is fantastic,” Mr Clancy said.
“In this day and age, substandard facilities aren’t acceptable in women’s sports. This is well overdue, and I’m pleased to see the funding allocated to this club.
“I’m a big believer in doing what we can to increase participation in sports for both men and women. Having these sorts of facilities is a fundamental part of any club and a very positive addition.”
Roos senior netball coach Georgie Bruce said the funding was welcome news for the entire club.
“We are pretty bloody stoked!” Georgie told the Free Press.
“We are one of the best leagues in the Ovens and Murry competition and have some sensational facilities. Having female changerooms will just elevate the club further.
“The designated facilities will allow our women and girls to change with dignity and feel comfortable in their own space.
“It’s a win for the whole club because we miss out on opportunities to host bigger finals if we don’t have things like proper changerooms”
Corowa Rutherglen Football Netball Club president Stuart Lingham also welcomed the news.
“For the girls who have struggled with substandard change facilities, this will put a spring in their step and maximise participation of future players, netballers and female footballers, who will get to use these facilities in years to come,” he said.
“Thanks NSW government, and Justin Clancy, Member for Albury for supporting the project. It’s a great result for our club, and the Corowa community.
“This great outcome is thanks to the hard work by the likes of Paul Somerville, Graham Hosier, Rowena Black and Alex Finlayson.
“Female facilities have been sadly lacking over the years. The anticipated rooms will include showers, toilets, home and visitor rooms, gym and fitness facilities, a multipurpose room and umpire facilities.”
Mr Lingham said the changerooms are the first stage in the John Foord Oval redevelopment.
“Our plan is to make it a significant precinct for the whole town essentially, a community facility,” he said.
The redevelopment is part of the proposed $35 million redevelopment of Corowa Foreshore and surrounds including all sporting clubs and Morris Park.
A second football oval beside the existing John Foord Oval, on private land closer to Sanger Street is one of the many proposed developments.
Plans have been drafted by Corowa architecture and design business, Regional Design Service, who will be involved in any future redevelopment.
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