Female football and netball players can feel more comfortable playing sports in Bannockburn with new changerooms officially open.
The changerooms were opened at Bannockburn Victoria Park on April 4 following an upgrade to provide female-friendly facilities for umpires and players and Disability Discrimination Act amenities.
Bannockburn Football Netball Club president Scott Penning said the upgraded facilities would help players feel safer within the community.
“Now that we have two changerooms, the teams don’t have to walk through rooms to utilise a toilet. They can lock themselves in their specific rooms and feel comfortable,” he said.
“It was all about making sure that it didn’t matter who utilised the changerooms, but that they all felt comfortable and safe, and that’s what we’ve got now which is fantastic.”
The $1.8 million project also included providing new ceilings, light fittings, flooring, shelving, seating, locks and painting throughout the entire facility.
Golden Plains Shire Councillor Helena Kirby said the changerooms were a “fantastic addition to Victoria Park” and would support women and girls playing sport.
“The need for female friendly facilities is a result of the significant growth of female participation in cricket, football and netball within Bannockburn,” she said.
“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.”
Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said Bannockburn was a “passionate, fast-growing community” and was proud of the club’s work to make the upgrades a reality.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
