Work has begun on the Golden Square Recreation Reserve redevelopment, which will create inclusive and female friendly changerooms for the players of Golden Square FNC, GSFNC Juniors and the Golden Square Cricket Club.
The Albanese Labor Government contributed $500,000 to the City of Greater Bendigo to kickstart the project following an election commitment made prior to the 2022 Federal Election.
With the existing 1970s changeroom facilities not up to current standards, the redevelopment will provide the club with modern, female-friendly facilities to help cater for its growing female player base.
The upgrades will also feature an umpire’s room, new medical rooms and an updated canteen.
Once finished, these much-needed updates will bring the facilities in line with code and AFL standards.
Construction officially began on 14th July with the upgrades predicted to be completed by June 2026.
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BENDIGO, LISA CHESTERS MP:
“It’s well past time that Golden Square’s women have changing facilities that are up to scratch and it’s great to see works commence.
“I am delighted that the Federal Labor Government and I are putting community infrastructure first by delivering $500,000 for this important project.
“Funding for this project is a true team effort and I’d like to acknowledge the contribution from the clubs and the City of Greater Bendigo.”
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO MAYOR OF THE CITY OF GREATER BENDIGO, CR ANDREA METCALF:
“The City is excited to see construction get underway at one of the municipality’s busiest recreation reserves, home to junior and senior teams associated with the Golden Square Football Netball Club, Golden Square Cricket Club and it is also popular as a place of passive recreation.
“This project will improve accessibility, player safety and functionality of the pavilion, and is a win for inclusion by enhancing female-friendly facilities.
“The project starts with the demolition of the existing changerooms and construction of new home and away changerooms that will bring them in line with today’s standards. These works will be followed by demolition of the existing ground floor facilities to make way for new netball changerooms, umpires’ rooms, kiosk facilities and storage.”
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ANDREW WICKING, GOLDEN SQUARE FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB SENIOR PRESIDENT:
“This is really exciting for us – the current facilities are between 20-50 years old.
“Most importantly, revitalised change rooms are a fantastic boon for our female players, they’ll now have a facility that caters for them.
“50% of our playing group are female and it’s really important for us to show them that their comfort and female participation is important to us.
“Lisa’s initial contribution got this project off the ground – without that contribution we might still be waiting for this to happen.”
