A new amenities building and kiosk has officially opened at Porter Reserve in Newport just in time for the footy season and is hoped to support the increase in female participation in sport.
The reserve is home to Newport Breakers Rugby Club and Newport Junior Rugby Club and is used heavily during the winter sports' season for rugby training, games and gala days.
The focus of the new amenities building is a female change room with toilets and showers, which complements the existing change rooms, a first aid room, accessible amenities, canteen and balcony area and seating.
At the official opening on Friday 28 April, the club were joined by Rugby royalty with the Australian Women’s 7’s team attending to celebrate the milestone and run through a training session with the members.
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the new facility supports the community’s recreational needs and Council’s commitment to help more women participate in the sport.
“We’re so pleased to offer this amazing new facility for the community and know it will be well utilised,” Mr Regan said.
“Rugby provides so many benefits to its players not only physically, but mentally and socially. We’re excited the addition of these facilities will also directly benefit the rise in women playing the sport.”
Josh Griggs President of the Junior Rugby Club agrees and can’t wait to get his teams out on the field and using this great new facility.
“For 60 years Porter Reserve has been the home of Newport Rugby, with a Rugby community of over 750 families across both the junior and senior clubs and now were also home to over 75 female players.
“These great new facilities will support the enjoyment, accessibility and solidify our commitment to inclusive rugby for all," Mr Griggs said.
NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said the upgrade to the Porters Reserve Clubhouse will help increase the levels of female participation across sporting codes.
“The NSW Government is committed to reducing barriers for female athletes when it comes to participating in sport, particularly at the grassroots level,” Mr Kamper said.
“Improving facilities so that all athletes have equal access to amenities such as change rooms ensures everyone looking to take park has facilities that make them feel comfortable and safe to do so.”
The build took eight months to complete and cost $1.1 million of which $400k was funded by a grant from the NSW’s Government’s Office of Sport.