New facilities open at Russell Square

RUSSELL Square’s AFL Local-compliant junior changerooms, and pavilion walkthrough and landscaping upgrades were officially opened last week.

The changing facilities were the star of the launch, with new female-friendly spaces, and further dedicated rooms for netball and football players, and umpires.

Senator Sarah Henderson, City of Ballarat mayor Daniel Moloney and Russell Square User Groups’ Damian Ryan launched the space, cutting the ribbon alongside East-Point Football Netball Club junior athletes.

“Russell Square is abuzz with activity today. There are over 1400 people who call Russell Square home, with football, netball, soccer, touch football, cricket, and scrabble activities here, alongside a Multiple Birth Association support group,” Mr Ryan said.

“Fifty per cent of user group members here are under 16, and one third of user group members are female. That’s an area we hopefully will improve on.

“This latest addition will directly support… junior and female participation. Investment in this facility infrastructure is essential in supporting an active and engaged community.”

In all the recent works at Russell Square have totalled $1.4 million. The changeroom upgrades cost $750,000, with $500,000 from Sport Australia, and the balance injected by the City of Ballarat.

The community pavilion received $525,000 from the City, while the Russell Square User Groups fundraised $120,000.

“I want to highlight the significance of the $120,000 the sporting groups have made. That’s an extraordinary effort,” Ms Henderson said.

“Without all of the fundraising, the raffles, the sausage sizzles and everything they’ve done, these facilities would not be possible.

“These facilities are really important state-of-the-art changerooms, toilets and showers because they encourage women and girls to play sport… and play sport with dignity. They can play with a greater sense of comradery.”

Cr Moloney said data shows more women and girls are getting involved in community sport in Ballarat.

“We’re really turning around the stats. The infrastructure is there in place,” he said.