The Lawler Labor Government is continuing to improve community sporting facilities by investing $80,000 to upgrade the women's change rooms at the home of the Palmerston Raiders Rugby League Club.
The newly designed change rooms are now complete and offer more privacy for all players within the Palmerston Raiders and touch football competitions across the dry season, as well as for visiting teams.
The changes include three private cubicles in each change room, installation of a new door to separate the front change room area from the showering area to provide more privacy.
The Lawler Labor Government is committed to investing in our sporting infrastructure and to encouraging more Territorians to live healthy and active lifestyles.
Upgrading the women's change rooms promotes inclusivity and supports women and girls participating in rugby league.
Women's participation in National Rugby League (NRL) in the Northern Territory has grown by 5.6% in 2024, with participation in girls' juniors increasing by 37% during the same period.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Eva Lawler:
"More women and girls are playing rugby league and that's why we're investing in change rooms for women at the Palmerston Raiders.
"Territory women and girls are some of Australia's most talented athletes and that's why we're investing in these facilities to encourage more of them to get in the game."
Quotes to be attributed to Minister for Sport Kate Worden:
"Removing barriers to women's participation is essential to encouraging more women and girls to play sport.
"Having the right facilities to support them off the field is a key part of creating the right playing conditions so they feel comfortable before, during and after the game.
Quotes to be attributed to General Manager of National Rugby League - Northern Territory Tony Crowe:
"The number of women and girls playing NRL in the NT continues to grow and we're committed to doing everything we can to support this growth.
"This year we've already seen the number of girls joining juniors teams outpace the number of boys which shows the incredible potential for the game.
"There's often so much focus on what's happening on the field that things like the change rooms can get overlooked, but they make a big difference to create an inclusive environment, which is a top priority for the NRL."
Quotes to be attributed to Palmerston Raiders Rugby League Club President Rodney Greenwood:
"It's great to be seeing the growing number of women and girls at the club and we're proud to currently have the highest number of women and girls participating out of all the NRL NT clubs.
"To have change rooms which offer privacy for all players without feeling awkward or uncomfortable means we can provide a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
"Upgrades like this are important as they make it clear NRL is no longer a male-dominated sport and that women are very much part of the rugby league community too."
Northern Territory Government
