COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT FEMALE FRIENDLY FACILITIES AT MARYBOROUGH BEARS AFC

An elected Liberal and National Government will provide additional support for women and girls to participate in Australian Rules Football in Wide Bay by funding an upgrade to the change rooms and facilities at the Maryborough Australian Football Club.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has secured a $49,000 commitment to create female friendly amenities at the Maryborough Bears clubhouse in Granville to accommodate the growth of women and girls who want to get involved in playing AFL.

“The Maryborough Bears have around 130 members and field six teams, from Auskick through to seniors,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Female participation numbers have been steadily increasing and there is now a fairly even mix of male and female players in the junior and senior teams. The clubhouse amenities urgently need an upgrade to improve privacy and accessibility and to ensure that the club can comply with the AFLQ governing body’s requirements for girl’s programs.”

“The growing popularity of AFLW is having a fantastic impact on grass roots football, with a big increase in women and girls wanting to get involved,” Maryborough Bears President Nathan Dahan said.

“The club has developed a five year plan to guide our future growth, and our Pathways to Equality initiative focuses on the need to improve our facilities so we can attract and retain female players and officials.”

Mr O’Brien was impressed with the club’s plans for the improvements and upgrades to support the continued growth of female grassroots football.

“The LNP fully supports community sports clubs and creating private and welcoming facilities and amenities to encourage more participation from women and girls,” he said.

“Helping the mighty Bears with new facilities is part of our commitment nationwide to ensuring everyone can enjoy the health and social benefits of being involved at their local clubs.”

The commitment is part of the Coalition’s plan to invest in grass roots sporting and recreational facilities, strengthen local communities and get Australia back on track. To read more about our plan, visit www.lnp.au/ontrack.