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New female friendly pavilion at Darnum Recreation Reserve from $500,000 grant Victorian government Local Sports Infrastructure Fund

The netballers at Nilma Darnum Football Netball Club can say goodbye to changing in the back of the car, thanks to the completion of the new game changing female friendly pavilion at the Darnum Recreation Reserve in Darnum.

By news@gippsland - 2nd April 2022 - Back to News

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today joined the Bombers netballers to officially open the new pavilion at the reserve made possible by a $500,000 grant from the Victorian Government's Local Sports Infrastructure Fund - Female Friendly Facilities. Grassroots sports like football and netball are as popular as ever, however up until recently the Bombers were struggling to cater for women and girls, having to use a shed that had no separate facilities for female players and umpire.

The Significant Sporting Events Program helps sporting, community and event organisations to deliver significant sporting events in Victoria

Upgrade inclusions

The new pavilion includes two player change rooms, netball and AFL umpire change rooms and amenities, an accessible toilet with baby change space, storage, administration space, and a kitchenette.

The new pavilion ensures the women and girls will no longer have to use outdated inappropriate change facilities, with the new spaces significantly improving the environment for women and girls preparing for training and matches.

Local clubs and community groups will also be able to use the new facility for meetings, functions, and events. The Victorian Government has invested more than $1.1 billion in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014.

Funding and grants

This includes the recent $55 million budget boost towards sports infrastructure investments to deliver new and improved community sports infrastructure across the state, with a particular focus on providing facilities to encourage participation among women and girls through the popular Female Friendly Facilities Fund.

From play space redevelopments to pavilion upgrades, investments like these provide high-quality and accessible places for Victorians to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation participation.

They are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and fast-tracking community recovery by improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities. Ms Shing acknowledged the Baw Baw Shire Council for its commitment and financial contribution to the project. For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government, visit Significant sporting events program web page.

Facility that sporting women deserve

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "The Bombers netballers finally have the female friendly facilities they deserve and can be proud of. With these female friendly facilities now up and running at the reserve, I look forward to seeing even more women and girls in the district signing up to play the sports they love."

"Better sport and recreation facilities make it easier for Victorians to get back to local sport and recreation when it is safe to do so, and lead healthy and active lifestyles." Ms Shing concluded.

Pictures from Harriet Shing Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Gippsland families face rising cost pressures as Nationals criticise Labor government over interest rates, spending and inflation
  The Nationals say rising interest rates are increasing pressure on Gippsland families, criticising Labor’s spending and inflation while outlining plans for budget discipline, tax cuts and productivity.
• Matthew Canavan welcomes Commonwealth Bank branch extension, calls for stronger government action to protect regional banking services
  Nationals leader Matt Canavan welcomed Commonwealth Bank’s decision to keep 281 regional branches open until 2030, while urging the Government to protect banking access and rebuild services lost elsewhere.
• Becon Constructions awarded $21M contract to build Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct library and learning centre
  Becon Constructions has secured a $21 million contract to deliver Warragul new Library and Learning Centre, part of Baw Baw Shire $30 million Culture and Connection Precinct, expected to open in early 2028.
• Latrobe City Council pushes for jobs, investment, housing and community safety during Victorian Parliament delegation
  Latrobe City Council has urged Victorian leaders to back jobs, housing, investment, community safety, energy transition projects and infrastructure to strengthen long-term regional economic growth.
• Major GRISS upgrade strengthens Gippsland’s premier indoor sports and events venue for future growth
  The upgraded Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium was officially opened, delivering modern facilities, supporting local jobs, and strengthening its role as Gippsland's leading venue for community sport and major events.
• Seven Gippsland farmers markets to explore for fresh produce, local treats and delicious weekend breakfasts
  Gippsland’s seven farmers markets offer fresh local produce, seafood, baked treats, artisan goods and coffee, making weekend mornings delicious opportunities to meet growers and discover regional flavours.
• Baw Baw Shire Council launches the return of Gippy Girls Can in September with something for every woman
  Gippy Girls Can returns across Baw Baw in September, offering women and girls welcoming, beginner-friendly and affordable opportunities to try new activities, get active and connect.
• East Gippsland Council calls for fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and investment in affected communities before state election
  East Gippsland Council is seeking fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and stronger investment to support affected communities, local economies, jobs and bushfire preparedness.
• Statement from CEO Tilla Buden - Councillor Ben Lucas to contest Victorian state election
  West Ward Councillor Ben Lucas will contest the Victorian State Election on 28 November 2026. He plans to seek leave from Council, with administrative arrangements underway to ensure Council operations and procedures continue during his absence.
• South Gippsland Council awards $122,959 to support 20 community organisations, local projects and other updates on council programs
  South Gippsland Council has awarded $122,959 to 20 groups, while promoting local projects, bridge repairs, weed management, hard waste collections and community programs.
• Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year Nature Plan to protect local biodiversity until 31 August 2026
  Latrobe City Council is seeking community feedback on its draft 10-year Nature Plan, outlining priorities to protect biodiversity, restore landscapes and engage residents. Public submissions close on 31 August 2026.
• East Gippsland Council calls for ESVF levy reform ahead of November Victorian state election
  East Gippsland Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reform the ESVF levy, citing disproportionate regional costs and seeking fairer, transparent emergency services funding.
• South Gippsland Council highlights Seniors Festival 2026, road safety projects, community initiatives and other updates across shire
  South Gippsland Shire Council highlights Seniors Festival events, $2.849 million in road safety funding, a new Nyora public toilet, resilience initiatives, community programs and feedback opportunities across the region.
• East Gippsland Council advocates National Sovereign Wealth Fund to deliver long-term regional benefits from resource revenues
  East Gippsland Council will advocate for a national Sovereign Wealth Fund funded by resource revenues, supporting long-term regional investment, infrastructure, resilience and intergenerational benefits while reducing reliance on competitive grants.
• East Gippsland Council adopts 2025–26 Annual Report, highlighting infrastructure investment, community services and financial sustainability
  East Gippsland Shire Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights $30.4 million in capital works, community services and economic development. Despite a $7.7 million operating surplus, Council recorded a $3.1 million underlying deficit.
• Darren Chester and Matt Canavan to tour Gippsland industries, meeting local employers and workers across seven regional towns
  Nationals Leader Matt Canavan will tour Gippsland for two days, visiting major energy, forestry, manufacturing and agricultural businesses to discuss regional jobs, investment and industry challenges.
• Bass Coast Shire Council traineeships open pathways to local careers and opportunities
  Bass Coast Council’s 2026 traineeship program supports seven trainees with practical experience, qualifications and career pathways. Applications for 2027 are expected early next year, with opportunities showcased at Phillip Island September expo.