A multi-million-dollar upgrade to community changerooms that will address the shortage of female and community facilities in the growing South-West metro corridor will be delivered in collaboration between the City of Cockburn, Fremantle Dockers and the McGowan Government.
The new $6 million changerooms at Victor George Kailis Oval will be used by the Fremantle Football Club's AFLW team and enable female, multicultural, Indigenous and all ability community sporting programs to access the venue.
It will also mean that the oval will be available to local junior and senior community football clubs within the region, as well as State-level training and matches.
Unlocking the Fremantle Football Club's oval has the potential to see the Dockers' Cockburn headquarters to become a hero facility for female and community football in what is a fast growing area of Perth.
The City of Cockburn's population is forecast to grow from 120,000 to 150,000 by 2030.
Fremantle Football Club has committed $3 million towards the Community Changeroom Project that includes the female and non-binary changeroom, public and spectator amenities, disability access and a multipurpose space.
The Australian Football League and Western Australian Football Commission will also make a financial contribution to the $12 million project.
The City of Cockburn will lead the development which is expected to go to tender in November 2022, with a commencement date of early 2023 and completion scheduled ahead of the 2024 season.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Football brings communities together and is such an integral part of being a Western Australian.
"My Government is focussed on investing in the health and wellbeing of all Western Australians by providing community sport facilities that are modern and accessible.
"This significant partnership between the State Government, community and an elite sporting club in the Fremantle Dockers sets a benchmark for other developments around the country.
"Once completed, the inclusive design of the expanded facilities at Victor George Kailis Oval will deliver essential sports amenities unlocking its potential as a hero site for female and community football in the South-West corridor of Perth."
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
"I am delighted to be involved in this partnership which addresses a gap in female and community facilities across the South-West metro corridor.
"This project is a major step towards addressing the shortage of appropriate, contemporary and usable community changerooms and the improved facilities will provide the public amenities desperately needed to service the significant future football needs of the region."
As stated by Women's Interests Minister Simone McGurk:
"Women's football is getting bigger every year and its great girls and women are getting the facilities they deserve so they can focus on footy.
"This sends a clear message to girls that whether you're a grassroots or elite player we're committed to leveling the playing field."
As stated by City of Cockburn Mayor Logan K Howlett:
"The City of Cockburn is proud to invest $6 million towards the expansion of our award-winning aquatic and recreation centre in the capital of the Perth south metropolitan region in Cockburn Central.
"More than one million people walk through the facility's doors every year and these numbers are only expected to increase as our community continues to grow and thrive in the next decade, accommodating up to 150,000 residents by 2030.
"Our successful partnership with the Fremantle Dockers to deliver improved community facilities, including AFL Women's and community changerooms, will support community sports and the ever-growing fitness and health needs of the region for many years to come.
"The City thanks the State Government for its contribution to this project."
As stated by Fremantle Football Club President Dale Alcock:
"The Fremantle Football Club is very thankful for the WA Government's funding support towards the Community Expansion Project as well as the contribution from both the WAFC and AFL.
"We have made no secret of our ambition to leave a legacy and have a genuine impact on our community through the power of sport. To be able to contribute by providing much needed facilities for local football clubs and sporting programs, enhances Fremantle's purpose to enrich our community.
"With the growth in female participation at the grassroots level and seeing the AFL Women's Competition go from strength to strength, this project will deliver an elite standard changeroom and facility for our AFLW players, allowing them to adequately prepare and invest in their professional careers."
