THE North Gambier Netball Club’s new female facilities were officially opened prior to the A Grade netball clash last Saturday.
Prior to 2022, female players and spectators at Vansittart Park were unable to access toilet or changeroom facilities within close proximity of the courts.
They were forced to either exit the grounds and use the playground facilities or use the football grandstand toilets.
“This raised safety and wellbeing concerns for all female netball and football players, especially junior players,” North Gambier Netball Club president Jordana Allen said.
“With the support of a Federal Government grant combined with club fundraising, we have now been able to build a state-of-the-art female-friendly facility.”
Member for Barker Tony Pasin attended the event and acknowledged the significance of the day.
“Across Barker and across the nation our government is supporting grassroots sporting clubs to upgrade infrastructure because we recognise the wider health, social and community benefits that come from greater activity and participating in sport,” he said.
“I am very proud to have delivered $213,387 to make this project possible through the Federal Government’s Community Sporting Infrastructure Program.
“I congratulate the North Gambier Netball Club on finalising this fantastic project.”
The building encompasses changerooms, bathrooms, meeting room, storage and spectator viewing.
An outdoor tiered seating area provides further viewing, while an extended roof line provides shelter from the winter weather Mount Gambier is all too familiar with.
“It is a new era for all female players and spectators of the North Gambier netball and football community,” Allen said.
