Elderslie Reserve is in line for a $1.894 million redevelopment centred around improving access for female footy players, as their numbers continue to rise.
Home to the 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.
We've also received a $50,000 grant from the fund's All Abilities Participation Initiative stream to support our 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.
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens MP
I have been personally advocating for these upgrades for some time and I am thrilled that the club will have the opportunity to commence the changes that will welcome and embrace all players.With female participation in sports on the rise it's essential that we create accessible and safe spaces, These well overdue upgrades will allow the club to continue its existing membership and retain players.
It doesn't matter if you have a handful of female members or teams of female members, all players and visitors deserve the opportunity to play and expand their skills in clubs feeling safe and welcomed.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
The Newtown Chilwell Football Netball Club is one of the largest in the AFL Barwon region with 24 teams and more than 150 Auskick participants in 2024.This funding from the Victorian Government and Council will future proof this beloved club and ensure women and girls can not only access modern and fit for purpose facilities, but stick with the club throughout their playing careers.
Sports and Recreation Portfolio Chair Councillor Eddy Kontelj
We have so many footy nuts in our community who have disability and would be ecstatic to play Aussie Rules and live out their sporting dreams," Cr Kontelj said."We're grateful for this funding from the Victorian Government to make this a reality.
