Women and girls will have their own space at Dolphins Football Club on Mackay’s northern beaches thanks to funding from the Albanese Government’s Play Our Way program.
A $576,196 grant means the club now has new fit-for-purpose facilities to help get more women and girls involved in football.
This includes two dedicated change rooms, accessible showers and toilets with baby-change facilities and a referee room with private amenities.
The club officially opened its new facilities on Friday, followed by a home game for the women’s Dolphins team.
The Albanese Government’s $200 million Play Our Way grant program supports local initiatives and ideas to overcome barriers that women and girls face in participating in sport.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Anika Wells:
“Community sport is important for so many of us, and we want every Australian to enjoy the benefits of sport and physical activity without barriers.
“The Play Our Way program is the most significant commitment ever to women and girls sporting programs.
“It means clubs like the Dolphins Football Club in Bucasia have quality, safe and inclusive facilities for all women and girls so they can become the next generation of sporting superstars.
“The Dolphins Football Club have been a fixture of the local community for more than 40 years. They are kicking goals for local girls and showing them that anything is possible with the right environment.”
Quotes attributable to Club President, Dannielle Hancock:
“Our club has been working towards these upgades for a long time, so it’s incredibly rewarding to see them become a reality.
“We’ve watched the number of women and girls playing football at Dolphins continue to grow and develop skills, and now we have facilities that reflect that growth.
“We now have a space where every girl and woman can feel safe, welcome and valued. It’s something our whole club can be proud of, and it strengthens Dolphins as one of the leading football clubs and facilities in our region for years to come.”
