Nillumbik Shire Council is kicking goals for female-friendly sports facilities in the Shire with the opening of two pavilion upgrades totalling $550,000.
Mayor Karen Egan, who officially opened the Eltham Lower Park and the Susan Street Pavilion redevelopments yesterday, said the Shire was committed to catering for the growing number of females taking part in sport.
"Removing barriers to gender equity continues to be something Council is passionate about – but facilities need to be in sync for this to become truly effective," Cr Egan said.
The $275,000 Eltham Lower Park Pavilion redevelopment includes refurbishing four change rooms to become female-friendly and a unisex referee change room.
The $275,000 Susan Street Reserve Pavilion redevelopment in Eltham includes the redevelopment of existing change rooms to create female-friendly change rooms and ambulant access, as well as reconfiguring the referee change room to include female-friendly cubicles and toilets.
Construction works are being conducted for the brand new $2.3 million pavilion at Marngrook Oval. The new pavilion is forecast to open in September and will include four interconnected change rooms, accessible and umpire facilities.
Meanwhile a new soccer and cricket pavilion has opened in Wattle Glen ready for the soccer season.
The $800,000 redevelopment includes two female change rooms, an umpires' change room and ramps throughout the facility to make it accessible to all. It means the Eltham Eagles Soccer Club, Nillumbik Junior Soccer Club and North Eltham Wanderers Cricket Club have a permanent home and can expand their women and girls teams.
Social Infrastructure chair Cr Bruce Ranken said all four facilities would go a long way to realising Council's goal of becoming the most liveable Shire in Australia.
"According to Council's Nillumbik Health and Wellbeing plan 2017-2021, sport and outdoor recreation improves mental and physical wellness and decreases social isolation," Cr Ranken said.
Wingrove Ward Councillor Peter Clarke said residents could be very proud of sporting facilities in the shire. "They will be well-used by all for generations to come," Cr Clarke said.
Council is also investing in sports facilities at:
Diamond Creek Netball Pavilion $3.1 million
Diamond Valley Sport & Fitness Centre $6.5 million
Eltham North Pavilion: $4.6 million
Research Park Pavilion: $3 million
Eltham Central Pavilion: $3.6 million
Eltham Tennis Courts and Lighting: $180,000
Greensborough Hockey pavilion: $2 million
Yarrambat Oval floodlights: $230,000
The Eltham Lower Park Pavilion upgrade is thanks to funding from Council as well as the State Government, Eltham Lacrosse Club and the Lower Eltham Cricket Club. The Susan Street Reserve Pavilion upgrade comes from funding from Council, the State Government and Eltham Junior Football Club.
Pictured at the Susan Street Reserve Pavilion redevelopment opening are (l-r) Cr Peter Clarke, Mayor Karen Egan, Eltham Panthers club president Stewart McCallum, Deputy Mayor Bruce Ranken, and Member for Eltham Vicki Ward.
