The Andrews Labor Government is backing Richmond Football Club and North Melbourne Football Club to build better facilities to host AFLW matches and deliver important community programs.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today announced that the Victorian Budget 2020/21 will provide $15.5 million towards works at Richmond's Punt Road Oval, and $7.3 million at the Kangaroos' Arden Street home.
Richmond's project includes the construction of AFLW-standard change rooms and the creation of an integrated women's and men's high-performance centre - further levelling the playing field. A new grandstand will headline upgraded match-day facilities for supporters.
The redevelopment will provide improved spaces to deliver community programs including those offered by the Korin Gamadji Institute, the Bachar Houli Academy and the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School. The total cost of the project is $60 million with the Commonwealth Government also providing support and Richmond responsible for sourcing the remaining funding. Construction is due to start in early 2022 pending planning approval.
North Melbourne's facilities at Arden Street will be expanded to better accommodate AFLW training and matches with new change rooms for players and umpires to also be used by VFLW teams and the community.
There will be additional facilities for the club and its community arm The Huddle, which delivers programs that strengthen social inclusion, education and careers for young people and their families.
New facilities will include a multipurpose meeting space, multimedia facilities, a commercial kitchen and administration spaces. Construction is due to start by mid-2021.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
"Every footballer deserves an equal chance to play the game to the best of their ability and that's why we back initiatives that provide a level playing field."
"Beyond the game, North Melbourne and Richmond have shown leadership in their community involvement and the new facilities will allow them to extend this reach."
As stated by Member for Northern Metropolitan Sheena Watt
"As a passionate AFLW supporter I'm proud we're delivering world-class facilities and programs to enable women and girls to reach their full potential on and off the field."
As stated by Richmond Football Club president Peggy O'Neal
"We are incredibly thankful the Victorian Government shares our vision for Punt Road Oval and the role it will play in supporting the continued growth of women's football and the club's important community activities."
As stated by North Melbourne Football Club chief executive Ben Amarfio
"We thank the Victorian Government for the opportunity to enhance our Arden Street home, which includes upgrades to our community facilities to cater for schools, sports clubs, cultural groups, universities and residents."
