The netballers at Nilma Darnum Football Netball Club can say goodbye to changing in the back of the car, thanks to the completion of the new game changing female friendly pavilion at the Darnum Recreation Reserve in Darnum.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today joined the Bombers netballers to officially open the new pavilion at the reserve made possible by a $500,000 grant from the Victorian Government’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund – Female Friendly Facilities.

Grassroots sports like football and netball are as popular as ever, however up until recently the Bombers were struggling to cater for women and girls, having to use a shed that had no separate facilities for female players and umpires.

The new pavilion includes two player change rooms, netball and AFL umpire change rooms and amenities, an accessible toilet with baby change space, storage, administration space, and a kitchenette.

The new pavilion ensures the women and girls will no longer have to use outdated inappropriate change facilities, with the new spaces significantly improving the environment for women and girls preparing for training and matches.

Local clubs and community groups will also be able to use the new facility for meetings, functions, and events.

The Victorian Government has invested more than $1.1 billion in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014.

This includes the recent $55 million budget boost towards sports infrastructure investments to deliver new and improved community sports infrastructure across the state, with a particular focus on providing facilities to encourage participation among women and girls through the popular Female Friendly Facilities Fund.

From play space redevelopments to pavilion upgrades, investments like these provide high-quality and accessible places for Victorians to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation participation.

They are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and fast-tracking community recovery by improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities.

Ms Shing acknowledged the Baw Baw Shire Council for its commitment and financial contribution to the project.

For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government, visit sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding/our-grants.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“The Bombers netballers finally have the female friendly facilities they deserve and can be proud of.”

“With these female friendly facilities now up and running at the reserve, I look forward to seeing even more women and girls in the district signing up to play the sports they love.”

“Better sport and recreation facilities make it easier for Victorians to get back to local sport and recreation when it is safe to do so, and lead healthy and active lifestyles.”