Torquay’s Spring Creek Recreation Reserve will soon be more female-friendly, with designs for the change rooms and public toilets redevelopment underway.
An architect has been appointed for the project to provide a gender-neutral shower and toilet cubicles and upgrade the pavilion’s toilets to include accessible and unisex spaces.
Surf Coast Shire councillor Liz Pattison said the improved facilities would accommodate all football and cricket players better.
“With more females and juniors taking part in sports like cricket and footy, it’s so important that clubs have fit for purpose facilities that are welcoming and accessible for all,” she said.
“We want to do all we can to encourage participation and to find solutions to the obstacles to commencing and continuing with sport, which is what this upgrade is all about.”
Torquay Tigers women’s senior football player Kahliah Zois said the upgrade would create a safer environment for players of all genders and promote inclusion for everyone in sports.
“At the moment I don’t think half of us would shower in the change rooms after the game. So, we’re looking forward to a safer, equal, more comfortable environment for all,” she said.
Works on the reserve’s upgraded facilities are expected to begin later this year and be completed early next year once designs are finalised, and the project is tendered.
Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said the project was a “step forward” for the region and would be an “awesome outcome” for Surf Coast sport clubs.
“By providing modern and suitable facilities, we are helping to break down barriers and encourage more people, especially women and girls, to participate in sports,” she said.
The project received $700,000 from the federal government and a $75,000 grant from the AFL’s Australian Football Facilities Fund.
