Canberra sporting organisations can now apply for funding of up to $100,000 through the Capital Assistance Program to upgrade facilities, whether it be new LED lighting, solar power systems, upgrades to storage, or female-friendly bathroom renovations.
The Capital Assistance Program (CAP) provides financial assistance for capital developments to upgrade sport and recreation facilities.
“Upgrading local sporting facilities is an important way to increase participation in sport and recreation, and to help clubs keep up with Canberra’s active community,” said Yvette Berry, ACT Minister for Sport and Recreation.
The ACT Government is committed to removing barriers to participation for women. According to the ACT Government, women in the ACT are the most physically active in Australia; 68% of women 15 or older play sport or are physically active at least three times a week (Ausplay, 2016).
To support continued growth in female participation, the Government believes that sport and recreation facilities across the Territory should be inclusive and comfortable for all to use.
“Upgrading facilities to meet the needs of women and girls is one really simple way to vastly improve female participation in sport,” Ms Berry said.
Several clubs urgently need female-friendly amenities. Since establishing the Female Friendly Change Rooms @ Sporting Facilities guidelines, more than 20 sporting and recreation facilities across the ACT have been upgraded to make them a welcoming place for all.
For instance, the Canberra Royals Rugby Football Club has already received funding to build desperately needed women’s changerooms. Women had to change on the side of the oval, in cars, or even in the men’s changerooms.
“Some sports facilities were built for men, by men, for men’s sport,” Ms Berry said in February. “There was never any consideration that women would be playing. What we’re seeing now is real growth in women’s sport. Women are broadening their horizons and playing whatever sport they want to – so of course we need facilities that meet that new change.”
Ms Berry said that the Capital Assistance Program was also a great opportunity for clubs to improve the water and energy efficiency of their facilities.
Applications for the Capital Assistance Program close on 10 May.
For more information, go to www.sport.act.gov.au/grants
