NEW CHANGEROOMS FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS AT THE FITZROY STARS

The Andrews Labor Government is boosting facilities for women and girls at the Fitzroy Stars Football and Netball Club, with work now underway on new dedicated, AFL-standard change rooms.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams visited the Sir Douglas Nicholls Sporting Complex in Thornbury today to turn the first sod on the $1.45 million project.

The new change rooms will include showers, toilets, treatment rooms, lockers, a social area and gym, and be built exclusively for female athletes at the club.

Founded in 1973, the Fitzroy Stars has provided a club and community for Aboriginal people in Melbourne’s north for nearly 50 years.

Today there are dozens of women and girls playing for the club – all of whom will benefit from the new, dedicated, first-class facilities being delivered through the project.

The club also received $1 million from the Labor Government in 2018 for a new scoreboard, coaches box and changerooms, as well as upgrades to lighting and ground surfacing.

Funding for the new female friendly changerooms is being delivered through the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program, which helps organisations improve the delivery of services, community safety, health and wellbeing, education, cultural connectedness and economic participation among Aboriginal Victorians.

The Victorian Budget 2020/21 invested a record $357 million to strengthen self-determination, improve access to education, provide better housing and health support, and improve the lives of Aboriginal Victorians across all spheres of life.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams

“The Fitzroy Stars have a proud history and a bright future. It’s wonderful to see work underway on this vital upgrade, which will give women and girls the facilities they need as the club grows.”

“You have to see it to believe it, and I can’t wait to see more female athletes hit the park in Stars colours.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous

“I am proud to have worked alongside Fitzroy Stars to deliver this funding for our community. Making spaces inclusive for women and girls on and off the field is crucial in keeping women connected to their communities and supporting their mental and physical health.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Metropolitan Sheena Watt

“The Stars are a great club and this is a great project – I can’t wait to see it take shape, and see the community enjoying it.”