By Goya Dmytryshchak
Williamstown Football Club has secured a $1.5 million low-interest state government loan to improve female facilities at Burbank Oval.
The club, which will also receive $273,000 from AFL Victoria, will use the money for two new unisex changerooms and lighting upgrades at the oval.
The changerooms are part of the club’s $4.6 million redevelopment plans, which include match-day officials’ rooms, offices for Seagulls and Western Jets staff, and ground drainage and reconstruction.
Club chief executive Jason Reddick said the changerooms were needed for Williamstown’s VFLW team and because of the growing use of its venue by local community clubs.
“Our ground, last year, hosted nearly 40 different teams, over 3200 participants,” he said.
“And with Western Region Football Finals being played there, VAFA finals being played there, there’s a genuine need to have club rooms to accommodate those sort of uses, as well as the local clubs and schools that come and utilise the ground throughout the year.”
No.1 ticket holder, Williamstown MP Wade Noonan said he was proud of the club’s approach to create an inclusive culture and of its successes.
“It’s a big win for the entire community,” he said.
“The club has the best VFLW player in Jess Duffin and soon it will have the best facilities for the women’s team.”
As reported by Star Weekly in August, Hobsons Bay council rejected the club’s request to help repay half a government loan, saying it would contradict its problem gambling policy.
The policy states “council will not provide funding, grants, sponsorship or other resources for any activities that promote gambling”, referring to the club’s Seagulls Nest Club with 66 poker machines.
