Walker Park, in Mitcham 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 announced the popular venue in Mitcham would receive $132,860 funding from the Female Friendly Facilities Fund for the re-development.

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 Whitehorse City Council to redevelop the Walker Park Reserve pavilion to bring the existing change room and amenities to a standard that supports the continued growth of female participation in sport.

The project will include new facilities at Walker Park Reserve that will give women and girls access to modern, safe and private change rooms and amenities. Every player deserves equal access to high quality facilities and this grant 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 Whitehorse Council for their financial contribution to the $2.65 million 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’s 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 Whitehorse Council – this boost will go a long way to support the growing number of people in Whitehorse 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 Whitehorse”