Funding friendly facilities

THE Apollo Football Club is being upgraded to include female-friendly and inclusive amenities supported by a $24,600 grant from the South Australian Government’s Thriving Communities Program.

New change rooms, toilets and showers are being built in the clubhouse to provide a safe and welcoming environment for female and multicultural players and visitors, modernising the current facilities which no longer meet the needs of the club’s members.

The upgrade is also supported by a grant from the City of Mount Gambier and the club’s own funds, as well as a generous in-kind contribution for demolition works from one of the club’s sponsors.

South Australian Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven said this upgrade at the Apollo Football Club was an excellent example of the type of project that the Thriving Communities Program was designed to support.

“I applaud the club for its initiative in this space,” Minister Scriven said. “Successful projects are those that create opportunities for people to connect, feel a sense of belonging and take part in community life.

“This upgrade will go a long way to supporting an inclusive atmosphere for everyone who visits the clubhouse as part of the football club and as a community hub.”

The Apollo Football Club is one of the largest on the Limestone Coast with more than 250 members and it not only competes in the soccer arena but also serves as a vital community hub that is regularly used by members of Mount Gambier’s Karen community.

Club president Andrew Donehue welcomed the cash injection.

“Our change rooms have served the community for more than 40 years, but they simply no longer meet the needs of today,” he said. “This project is a vital step in modernising our facilities so we can continue to provide a safe, welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors.

“As we’re seeing incredible growth across all of our teams, especially women’s and junior programs.

“This upgrade will allow our club to keep pace with demand and ensure all participants have access to the privacy, safety and comfort they deserve.

“On behalf of Apollo Football Club, I want to thank our members, volunteers and funding partners for supporting this project.

“Their commitment is helping us create a stronger, more inclusive and more sustainable club into the future.”

The Apollo Football Club amenities upgrade was one of 46 successful projects to be funded through the latest round of the Thriving Communities Program.

The State Government allocated an additional $1.2 million to the program following unprecedented demand last year, allowing a greater number of projects to be granted funds.

The Thriving Communities Program is funded through the State Government’s $15 million Thriving Regions Fund, which supports regional industries, creates jobs and strengthens communities.

Applications for the next round of the Thriving Communities Program closed last month and are currently under assessment.