Newtown’s Elderslie Reserve will get a $1.894 million redevelopment to improve access for female footy players, as their numbers continue to rise.
Home to Newtown Chilwell Football Netball Club, the reserve’s lack of inclusive facilities is hampering their ability to attract and retain participants, in particular female players who are opting to travel to other clubs with more modern, gender-friendly changerooms.
An upgrade of the player and umpire change rooms, funded through a $1 million Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund (Women and Girls Facilities stream) grant from the Victorian Government, will ensure the pavilion is inclusive for women and girls. The City is co-contributing $844,000 to this project.
The pavilion works will also include modifications such as wheelchair-friendly pathways, accessible restrooms, and sensory-friendly spaces.
The pavilion’s design will meet both the AFL’s Preferred Community Facility Guidelines for a local level football facility and a goal in the Elderslie Reserve Facility Development Plan.
City of Greater Geelong also received a $50,000 grant from the fund’s All Abilities Participation Initiative stream to support efforts to improve accessibility and participation at the reserve.
The All Abilities Participation Initiative will focus on improving opportunities for people with disability to participate in Aussie Rules.
The club will collaborate with local disability service providers to co-design inclusive programs that cater to the specific needs of people with disabilities. These partnerships are set to provide essential resources and training for staff and volunteers, ensuring they are equipped to support participants.
Specialised equipment, such as modified balls and wheelchair accessible goalposts, will be introduced alongside adaptive programs like modified training sessions and All Abilities AFL competitions.
This funding will support the club’s ambitions to field a team in the AFL Barwon All Abilities Football League during in the next two years.
