- $2.5 million towards female changerooms at Cockburn ARC
- Funding part of a $16.2 million project, which also includes health club expansion
The Cook Government is encouraging more women and girls to get involved in sport and active recreation thanks to new female and unisex changerooms at Cockburn ARC.
The State Government is contributing $2.5 million to the $16.2 million City of Cockburn ARC and Fremantle Football Club Community Expansion Project. Cockburn ARC is the city's aquatic and recreation centre and home to the Fremantle Dockers Training and Administration Facility.
The State contribution to the project, located in Perth's southern suburbs, will deliver:
- three changerooms including a female specific changeroom;
- umpire changerooms, first aid and public amenities;
- storage;
- multipurpose education space; and
- spectator terrace and seating.
A new female changeroom will support the Fremantle Football Club's AFLW program at the adjacent Victor George Kailis Oval.
Total cost of this part of the project is $6.6 million.
The City of Cockburn is also giving its fitness centre a $9.6 million revamp to upgrade and expand its gym, group fitness, indoor cycling and wellness studio spaces.
The combined cost of the Community Expansion Project is $16.2 million, which includes a $3.15 million from Fremantle Football Club and the AFL, plus $350,000 from the WA Football Commission (WAFC).
Construction of the changerooms is due to start in March.
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
"Female and unisex changeroom facilities are a priority for our Government and this project is another example of that.
"In light of the formation of our AFLW teams and the huge response to last year's FIFA Women's World Cup, more young women are playing these sports and need suitable changerooms, like their male counterparts have had for a long time.
"In a wider context, any facilities which encourage more woman and girls to take part in sport and active recreation are a positive for the community, both from a mental and physical health perspective."
As stated by Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:
"As a proud Dockers supporter and a champion for women's participation in the game, this is fantastic news.
"I want to see more young girls and women lacing up their boots and getting active so having the appropriate facilities is key."
As stated by Cockburn MLA David Scaife:
"These upgrades will benefit all Cockburn residents wanting to take part or spectate at the recreation centre.
"I am proud to be part of a Government that does the right thing for WA and delivers quality infrastructure to benefit locals."
As stated by City of Cockburn Mayor Logan K. Howlett:
"This project is not just about expanding services, it's about enhancing lives by providing facilities with considerable social and health benefits.
"The City provides world-class recreation facilities to our residents, so they can enjoy places to exercise, socialise, connect and have fun.
"This evolution will expand opportunities for residents and visitors to join exercise classes, participate in mind, body, and wellness sessions, and work out in an award-winning gym."
