Cheong Park will finally get the female-friendly sport facilities they deserve thanks to a funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region, Shaun Leane today joined club representatives at the popular venue in South Croydon to announce the Labor Government is kicking in $325,000 for the redevelopment of the Cheong Park changerooms to upgrade and reconfigure to current standards whilst making them female friendly.

In addition to this, the Council will also receive $175,000 for the installation of four, 27-meter sportsfield lighting towers to light Cheong Park oval to 150lux.

Women and girls are signing up to play local sport in record numbers across Victoria. But many facilities were built in a bygone era where changerooms for females were poor or didn’t exist. We’re changing that.

Today’s grant announcement will enable Maroondah Council to deliver female friendly amenities for the Croydon South Football Club and support its strong female membership, while allowing more program opportunities.

Every player deserves equal access to high quality facilities and these grants will benefit every woman and girl who participates in sport and active recreation in the area.

The project is one of more than 40 to score a boost from the game changing fund that recently received a $15 million boost in the Victorian Budget 2018/19.

Mr Leane acknowledged partners Maroondah City Council, for their financial contribution to the $700,000 redevelopment as well as the $418,000 lighting project.

The Female Friendly Facilities Fund is part of the Labor Government’s strong commitment to sports and active recreation, gender equality and to encourage all Victorians to get out there and get active.

It is backed by almost half a billion dollars in the Victorian Budget to ensure sport and active recreation goes from strength to strength.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region, Shaun Leane

“Congratulations to Maroondah Council – this boost will go a long way to support the growing number of people in Maroondah keen to get involved in local sport and recreation.“

“It’s a great example of how the Andrews Government is making sport and recreation more accessible, welcoming and inclusive for all Victorians.”

 “The Andrews Government is giving local communities the facilities they need so more locals can play the sports they love.”

Quotes attributable to Head, Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, Dr Bridie O’Donnell

“Providing modern facilities is such an important factor in increasing participation for Victorian women and girls and I welcome today’s funding boost that’s set to inspire even more females to join a club and in the fun in Maroondah”