Women and girls across the Kandos Rylstone region will have access to more inclusive sporting facilities, thanks to the NSW Government’s $25 million Female Friendly Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Program.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said Rylstone Showground is set to be transformed, delivering female-friendly lighting upgrades for the local Club.
The $287,000 project will upgrade the Rylstone Showground arena through construction of new lighting towers following removal of the existing aged and faulty lighting facility.
“Community sport is a vital part of our social fabric and some of the biggest barriers faced by women and girls are the lack of female change rooms and amenities, as well as adequate lighting,” Mr Toole said.
“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government recognises the critical role local sport infrastructure plays in keeping our communities healthy and active, and by helping 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 and safe environment.”
“This groundbreaking program will level the playing field by improving facilities that for decades have been predominately used by men, but now cater for the growing number of our local women’s and girls’ sporting teams.”
Mid-Western Regional Mayor Des Kennedy said the enhanced sportsground will be a more welcoming environment for local women and girls to participate in sport.
“The project will increase the safety of and accessibility to the regional sportsground for all community members, and drive female participation in sports training, matches and events at Rylstone,” said Mr Kennedy.
“The project will make the sportsground more inclusive, and allow more types of sport and active recreation to be conducted at all times of the day.”
Since 2017 the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has committed more than $1 billion to deliver new and upgraded community sport facilities.
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,” Mr Henskens said.
“The Liberal and Nationals 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.”
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