In a win for female sport, more women and girls will be able to play at St Kilda’s Peanut Farm Reserve following extensive works by Port Phillip Council in partnership with the Victorian Government.
Council invested more than $2 million on initiatives, including an upgraded sports pavilion and netball courts at Peanut Farm Reserve Pavilion. The Victorian Government contributed $1.1 million to the sports pavilion and court upgrade, providing a more accessible and enjoyable experience for spectators and community members, as well as players.
Mayor Dick Gross said transforming the netball courts into multipurpose courts opened them up to the whole community, while improved lighting at the courts and surrounding paths allowed teams to train in the evening.
“It’s really exciting to see a community project deliver fantastic facilities for women and men as well as higher quality playing surfaces on new multipurpose courts,” Cr Gross said.
“There is tremendous demand for local female sport, so transforming the precinct now is a great way to encourage casual and competitive players of today and tomorrow, no matter their gender.”
The pavilion upgrade features four unisex changing rooms, showers, toilets and a kitchen. There is also a wheelchair-accessible community barbecue, more accessible paths around the pavilion and new lighting surrounding the netball courts, oval and paths near the Veg Out Community Gardens.
“We hope the improved facilities will encourage residents of all ages and abilities to stay active,” Cr Gross said.
St Kilda Sharks President Tasma Ritchie was thrilled with the upgrades, “It’s clear Council has put a real focus on making the space better suited to female participation, which is a win for our club – and the clubs we host. The new changing rooms are fantastic and the kitchen/function space creates a welcoming environment for players. It’s great to have the same access to facilities male players have enjoyed for years.” Peanut Farm is used by the St Kilda Football Netball Club, St Kilda Sharks Women’s Football Club, Elwood Cricket Club, St Kilda Junior Football Club and Melbourne Hellenic Cricket Club.