By Molly Magennis
The Western Bulldogs have welcomed the federal government’s budget investment of $15 million to fully redevelop its home at Whitten Oval.
The funding will contribute to extending a new Western Bulldogs Community Foundation Centre which will now be able to enjoy a permanent home in an upgraded John Gent Stand, complete with the proper facilities and services to help expand the foundations community reach.
A Women’s Health and Leadership Hub will also be established which will become a pivotal centre for the delivery of programs for girls and women throughout the states west.
Western Bulldogs president Kylie Watson-Wheeler said the club was incredibly grateful for the government’s commitment to Melbourne’s west.
“Our vision, now and into the future, is for VU Whitten Oval to be a place for the community to call home, alleviating social isolation, enhancing connectivity and promoting health and wellbeing,” she said.
Western Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains said this integral funding will ensure the club can utilise these community based centres to the full extent.
“This important investment ensures we can deliver on the full potential of the precinct, helping bring people together to access social programs and services which can have a real and meaningful impact on the lives of people living in our backyard and beyond,” he said.
“As one of the AFLW’s inaugural clubs with such strong female representation across every layer of our business, including at Board level, we’re excited to be investing further into developing programs which break down barriers of disadvantage, and creating pathways into education and increased participation.”
