We wish the Matildas the best of luck tonight in their battle for the bronze medal and congratulate them on their inspiring efforts during the World Cup.
We welcome today’s news that the Federal Government will establish a $200m grants program, which will improve facilities and provide equipment specifically for women and girls across the country.
The Rockliff Liberal Government has been investing in women’s sport facilities for many years already.
Minister for Sport and Recreation, Nic Street, said the Government has invested $10 million through the Levelling the Playing Field Grants Program for local clubs to upgrade amenities to provide better facilities for female participants.
“More than 30 projects have received funding under this important program and many clubs have been able to develop or grow their female programs because of those facility upgrades,” he said.
“Through our other program of Improving the Playing Field Grants, we invested $15 million in more than 130 projects over three years to upgrade or improve sporting facilities throughout the State.
“Several facilities received funding for upgrades of change rooms and toilets, either of both the men’s and women’s or updating to unisex change rooms to meet universal design principles.”
Local community sporting facilities will also continue to benefit from much-needed upgrades funded through our $10 million Tasmanian Active Infrastructure Grants Program, which recently opened for applications.
Eligible projects must develop or improve functional and inclusive sport and active recreation infrastructure and will include upgrades to facilities that will benefit women.
Minister for Women and the Prevention of Family Violence, Madeleine Ogilvie, said it is a great time to be investing in women’s sport by improving facilities.
“The Matilda’s have captured the hearts of our nation and have ushered in a new era of women’s sporting participation,” she said.
“We have seen how improved facilities increased participation with AFLW.
“Funding is available across all sporting codes from this Government and I look forward to continuing to be a champion for women in sport by assisting to secure funds.
“For soccer, we are already investing $10 million for upgrades at four soccer facilities across the State – Lightwood Park in Kingston, Churchill Park and Birch Avenue in Launceston, and Valley Road in Devonport.
“These substantial upgrades will benefit junior and senior female programs and help to encourage more women to take up the sport and get active.”
