Indented Head Yacht Club to get improved facilities

A SIGNIFICANT funding boost for the Indented Head Yacht Club (IHYC) will see upgrades to the much-used club house thanks to an $800,000 grant.

The clubhouse also serves as a homebase for the Salty Bitches Swimming Group, with the funding supporting a redevelopment of the female changerooms and the front of the clubhouse repurposed.

The funding forms part of the federal government’s $200 million Play Our Way Program, with Corangamite federal member Libby Coker announcing the groups’ successful application.

Ms Coker said it was an awesome outcome for both clubs, as the existing clubhouse did not offer adequate female changerooms for the Salty Bitches who gather daily.

“Over 30 swimmers use the clubhouse every day, but they often need to get changed outside, and there is only one female shower and toilet available – this funding will change that reality.

“I’d like to congratulate the Yacht Club and the Salty Bitches on putting forward such an awesome proposal – a proposal that’s all about supporting more women and girls to get involved in local sport.”

Designed to remove barriers, the Play Our Way Program also hopes to address discrimination and promote equality for women and girls to participate in sport and physical activity.

The yacht club collaborated with an architect last year to create a plan to extend the facilities.

Vice Commodore Peter Ellenby said the new design created a welcoming environment.

“The Play our Way Grant consolidates Indented Heads Yacht Club as a community water-sport club.

“We are very excited to rebuild our clubhouse for swimmers and sailors with much improved facilities that are both gender-equitable and appropriate to our needs.”

The Salty Bitches started as a group around a picnic table 300m away from the yacht club before being welcomed into the facilities around 18 months ago.

Group co-founder Sarah Fenton said the IHYC had given them shelter, showers and a home base, bu tthe funding would be a game-changer for Indented Head.

“This is not only an upgrade of the facilities, but an acknowledgement that by working together, our whole community can achieve great outcomes to improve both physical and mental health.”

The Play Our Way Funding will support 166 groups around the country in securing new or modified facilities for women and girls across a range of sports.