Liam McNally
Two sporting clubs are set to benefit from new facilities to be constructed at MacPherson Park in Melton.
The state government announced last week it was committing $1 million to upgrade the facilities used by the Melton Broncos Rugby League and Melton Wolves Gridiron clubs.
The new pavilion will include four female-friendly changerooms, an umpire’s room, first aid room, social space, kitchen, plus storage and related amenities.
Brad Baker, who is involved in both clubs, said the funding has been a long time coming.
“The building that we’re in at the moment is heavily outdated,” he said. “We’ve gone through seasons of gridiron where other clubs didn’t want to come out and play because of the level of the facilities.
“So we’re pretty happy to be able to get some progress with regards to funding and a build on the horizon. We’re just keen for it to get started.”
Mr Baker said that the current facilities, that have plumbing issues and no female change rooms, make it hard to attract new players.
“People turn up and see the facilities and go somewhere else,” he said.
“For both sports, rugby league and gridiron, we’re hoping that the new facilities will make it a bit more inviting for members and for new members to come through.
“We’re very much looking forward to having some female designated changerooms, obviously all clubs want to be open and inviting to both male and female, adult, child.”
The funding is part of the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, the Female Friendly Facilities Fund and the Country Football and Netball Program.
It’s the latest upgrades announced for Melton’s main sporting precinct, with the Melton Football and Netball, Melton Cricket and Melton Phoenix Soccer clubs among those to benefit previously.
Melton MP Steve McGhie said this would go a long way to support the growing number of people in Melton keen to get involved in local sport and recreation.
