Funding announced for new inclusive changrooms at Mansfield Recreation
Published on 20 December 2024
Major upgrades to modernise Mansfield Recreation Reserve’s changerooms are moving forward with Council successfully lobbying for additional funding from the federal government.
Council successfully applied for $1,280,772 from the Australian Government’s Play Our Way Program to fund the Mansfield Female Inclusive Rooms Project. The project aims to break down barriers to women’s participation in sport by providing more welcoming and inclusive facilities. It involves design and construction of new changerooms suitable for all players.
Council has also committed $22,250 to the project from its budget, with further contributions committed by several local sporting groups totalling an additional $22,250:
- Mansfield Football Netball Club - $10,000
- Mansfield Junior Football Club - $10,000
- Mansfield Junior Netball Club - $1,000
- Robinson Jiu Jitsu Australia - $1,000
- Mansfield Gymnastics Club - $250
Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said Council was delighted that the project can now go ahead.
“It’s been a barrier to women and girls playing sport to know they didn’t have access to decent changerooms. This barrier will be eliminated by this project and hopefully encourage more women to participate in sports,” he said.
“We need to plan for the future of sport in our community. Our Shire saw a big increase in female sport participation in 2024. The Female Inclusive Rooms project is an important part of making sure our infrastructure is ready to meet our growing community’s needs.
“We’ve listened to feedback from our local sporting groups that female-friendly amenities are an important part of helping women and girls feel comfortable to participate.”
Cr Rabie said Council advocates for funding from federal and state government for major projects, and that its lobbying had paid off.
“We have to fight for every dollar,” he said.
“We just don’t have enough money to build facilities like the new inclusive changerooms, so we work hard to apply for grants to support these projects.
“Council is particularly grateful to all the sporting clubs who also agreed to contribute funding,” said Cr Rabie.
Design work on the new changerooms is expected to start early in 2025.
Quotes attributable to Bo Christopher, Mansfield Football Netball Club
"The funding for upgrades to changerooms at the Mansfield Football Netball Club is a game-changer for female participation in sport.”
“Providing equitable, modern facilities sends a strong message that women and girls deserve the same opportunities and respect in sport as their male counterparts.”
“These upgrades will not only enhance comfort and accessibility but also encourage more females to get involved, breaking down barriers to participation.”
“It's fantastic to see investments like this creating inclusive spaces that support the growth of women's sport at the community level.”
“Having somewhere our women’s football team can change and prepare for training and game day all year round before running onto the rec reserve will be so important to the continued growth of our women’s program.”
Quotes attributable to Michael Bretherton, Mansfield Junior Football Club
“The recent funding announced to deliver modern, welcoming, and inclusive unisex changerooms at the Mansfield Recreation Reserve is a fantastic step forward in supporting women and girls participating in sports and team activities.”
“We have many junior girls participating in both Auskick and the junior football club program and the addition of safe, gender-inclusive spaces goes a long way in supporting their football journey through juniors and hopefully into the senior Mansfield women’s team one day.”
“This is a great outcome for the community with broad benefits for all girls and women, breaking down barriers to getting involved in team sports.”
ENDS