Making Coast sports fields more female friendly

Two Central Coast sporting facilities will share almost $500,000 in funding thanks to the NSW Government’s $25M Female Friendly Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Program.

Central Coast Hockey Association (CCHA) will receive $165,974 to upgrade the lighting on its east pitch at Wyong Hockey Complex and Mingara Recreation Club has been granted $333,000 for a lighting and bathroom upgrade at its athletics track.

Mingara Recreation Club CEO Paul Barnett said he was “very excited” by the project and pleased to be supported by the Government.

“The lighting now in place is more than 20 years old and very expensive to operate and repair,” he said.

“To be able to replace this with LED lighting is a great thing.

“The new lighting will be more efficient, provide better lighting for night time events and allow us to open up more events to sporting groups.

“We have had to knock back some women’s soccer games in the past.”

Barnett said the project would be a mammoth undertaking involving the installation not only of the lights themselves, but also 4,080 metres of cabling.

“It’s a substantial job – this is a big deal,” he said.

Barnett said upgrades to the female amenities would encourage a broader range of women’s sporting events at the facility.

The funding is three to one, with the club itself contributing more than $100,000 to the project.

Central Coast Hockey Association (CCHA) President Brett Johnson said the association had recently paid $180,000 to upgrade lighting on Wyong Hockey Complex’s first field and the grant money would now see the second field brought up to date.

“The lighting we have in place at the moment is at least 20 years old,” he said.

“We are at the point where we need to replace it but they don’t make the parts any more.

“Upgrading to LED lighting will improve the standard of hockey we play and represent significant cost savings for our members, with our electricity bill traditionally $40,000 per annum.”

Johnson said the current state of the lighting was unsafe.

“We run a ladies comp on Wednesday nights and it is important for safety that we have decent lighting on the field when they play,” he said.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said 94 community sport facilities are set to be transformed, delivering femalefriendly change rooms, amenities and lighting upgrades, which is one of the biggest barriers that prevent women and girls from playing sport.

“The NSW Government recognises the critical role local sport infrastructure plays in keeping our communities healthy and active,” Perrottet said.

“Community sport is where it all begins, and by investing in our local communities to help boost female participation, we will ensure any young girl or woman who wants to shoot a hoop, score a try or kick a goal, can do so in a supportive environment.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said since 2017 the Government has committed more than $1B to deliver new and upgraded community sport facilities.

“Women’s sport is booming in NSW and this program will deliver the facilities women and girls need and deserve,” he said.

“This ground-breaking program will level the playing field by improving facilities that for decades have been predominately used by men, but now cater for a growing number of women’s and girls’ sporting teams.”

Minister for Sport Alister

Henskens said major events including the recent FIBA Women’s World Cup and upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup are creating enormous excitement and inspiring the next generation of female sporting stars.

“Whether it’s on the court, field or track, we continue to be inspired by our homegrown talent like Ellyse Perry, Lauren Jackson, and Madison de Rozario who are captivating the nation with their extraordinary athleticism and passion,” Henskens said.

“The Government’s investment in community sport infrastructure is improving facilities for women and girls, and boosting female participation in sport, in line with our Her Sport Her Way strategy.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said when women and girls feel comfortable, they are more likely to stick with their chosen sport.

“Some of the biggest barriers faced by women and girls are the lack of female change rooms and amenities,” she said.

Terry Collins

Brisbane Water Cricket Club on a roll

The Brisbane Water Cricket Club is set to receive a new pitch roller thanks to $28,000 in funding through the 2022 Community Building Partnership Program.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the roller would improve pitch conditions for all teams, including a new women’s team and juniors.

“It is great to know that the club will be able to provide a quality pitch,” she said.

“Coasties should have the access to good quality sporting grounds (and) grant will ensure that players have access to a high calibre pitch.

“It’s important to have a fair and safe environment which can only be done by quality equipment.”

Club President Ken Pieroz said the grant would ensure the club could provide “a true level playing field”.

“Without this funding, we’d be struggling,” he said. Those who want to get involved in the club should go to www.bwcc.nsw. cricket.com.au.

Source: Media release, Feb 13 Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch

Two of the region’s most promising young volunteers were named male and female Newcastle Permanent Junior Lifesavers of the Year during the Central Coast Branch Age Championships at Avoca Beach on February 12.

Rebecca Lawer from Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) and Samuel Terry from Soldiers Beach SLSC took out the honours.

Newcastle Permanent Branch Manager Lorraine Gould said SLSCs are true assets to the community as she presented the awards.

“Our SLSCs not only ensure everyday Aussies are safe at the beach, they’re helping to mould and shape the next generation of exceptional young people,” she said.

“Rebecca and Samuel are already contributing to their clubs and communities.

“They’ve both earned their surf rescue certificates, so are