Community
13 February, 2025
New approach to fund change rooms
PLANS have been unveiled as part of the continued push to bring new change room facilities to the Mortlake Recreation Reserve in support of the community’s burgeoning list of female athletes.
Public consultation is now underway after new plans were revealed as the Mortlake Recreation Reserve Committee of Management (herein; committee) pursues a new avenue for bringing the long-awaited project to fruition.
Committee chair Jacinta Wareham said the new plans had been altered to accommodate the latest funding submission through the Victorian Government’s Regional Community Sport Infrastructure Fund, specifically under the women and girls’ facilities stream.
The committee had previously applied for funding under the Federal Government’s Play Our Way program, but was unsuccessful in obtaining funding.
The new approach required altered plans which feature a sole facility to bring women’s change rooms to the reserve, whereas the previous funding attempt had aimed to also revitalise the men’s change room area.
“When we looked at this grant it was only covering female-specific facilities,” Mrs Wareham said.
“We would still be able to use the old facilities if needed, such as if we had multiple female football games, but the new facilities would be close enough to be accessible for both the football and cricket ground, and the courts, so it covers all sports.”
The site plan shows the change rooms would run adjacent to the playground, and parallel to the netball courts, with an undercover viewing area to provide shelter for viewers at courts one and two, in addition to the home and away change rooms which include accessible, private toilet facilities.
The exterior of the change rooms will feature a colorbond design similar to the existing facilities at the reserve, ensuring a uniform aesthetic.
“Previous plans have included around 14 metres of undercover area but these plans are for 17 metres, which would be great for supporters and players on wet days,” Mrs Wareham said.
Rather than a reduction in car parking spaces, the committee has unveiled plans to expand parking through the sealing and marking of the current gravel area.
“The plan also includes an extension to the car park area which would be sealed and marked for 65 car parking spots,” Mrs Wareham said.
“This will make game day a little less chaotic when it comes to parking, while increasing accessibility to all of our facilities.”
Mrs Wareham said the committee were optimistic funding could be secured due to overwhelming support from the community, in addition to a clear need due to the strength of female sport in the town.
“We’ve had support from Western Victoria MP Jacinta Ermacora, and letters of support from local organisations and users,” Mrs Wareham said.
“I think we’ve got around 18 letters of support from the various groups, organisations and associations which use our facilities.
“Moyne Shire Council also announced funding in last year’s budget which they have indicated will roll over.
“Community feedback and support has been very positive.”
The plans for the change rooms are available for the public to view in person at the Mortlake Library.
The committee are available for comment from the public, with replies closing on March 1 before formal submissions are made.
“We want community feedback as it’s important for those who will use the facilities to know it is their own,” Mrs Wareham said.
“The committee believes the enhanced facilities can support the growth and development of sport in our town, and throughout the district, for years to come.
“We’ve received tremendous support from the community throughout this process, and ensuring they continue to feel heard and have the opportunity to provide their feedback is a priority.”
Applications for the funding, which will be made by Moyne Shire Council on behalf of the committee, close on Monday, March 17.
Outcomes are expected to be announced from July.
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