Budget Delivers Promise to Build Local Female Participation in Sport

On Tuesday night (October 25) the Albanese Labor Government’s first Budget fulfilled a key local election promise with $1.3 million set to boost female participation at the Ilinden Sports Centre.

This funding will help deliver a new pavilion featuring women’s change rooms and referee rooms at the Rockdale-based sports club in a major win for women’s participation in sport.

The infrastructure boost paves the way for the club to secure a women’s licence for representative football and meet requirements for entry into the national second division.

Ilinden Sports Centre is a growing club with more than 1000 registered players.

The proposed new infrastructure upgrades will assist the club to manage increased demand as more women and girls join the club.

Quotes attributable to Barton MP Linda Burney:

 “We are passionate about removing barriers to women and girls participating in sport and this project at the Ilinden Sports Centre will do just that. 

“Investing in critical sports infrastructure will deliver better health outcomes, build stronger social connections, and help local sports people to develop new skills.

 “The Budget delivers for Barton by investing in the capabilities of our people and planning for the future.”

 Quotes attributable to Dennis Loether, Ilinden Sports Centre President:

“I’m delighted to see confirmed in the Budget that Labor will support our vision for new female sport facilities at the Ilinden Sports Centre with a $1.3 million investment.

“The female division of the arm continues to grow, and it is imperative that we have the infrastructure in place to ensure they are not disadvantaged or feel uncomfortable.  With a women’s World Cup on home soil around the corner, what better time than now to announce this development.”