Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry admires the artwork outside the canteen. Photo: Supplied.
The ACT Government has announced it has completed upgrades to the Melba Neighbourhood Oval pavilion in Belconnen, which includes three new toilets (two unisex and one accessible) and a new canteen.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry said the $680,000 upgrades would make playing and watching sport in West Belconnen a more comfortable experience for both home and visiting teams.
“The upgrades for players and officials are welcomed and include heating and privacy screens at the entry to changing rooms, upgraded security lighting and a series of female-friendly refurbishments,” Ms Berry said.
Other enhancements to the pavilion include mirrors, vanities and shelving for personal items; individual toilet cubicles; a dedicated accessible toilet with a foldaway baby change table; and individual lockable shower cubicles and hygiene disposal points.
There is also a new water refill station, bike racks, as well as a new canteen featuring a digital art wrap highlighting some iconic Canberra images.
The Belconnen United Sharks Junior Rugby League Club at the opening of the upgraded facilities. Photo: Supplied.
A barbecue area is also close by. It’s caged off to allow storage and for groups to cook the traditional fundraiser brunches and lunches.
Rugby league, touch football, soccer and cricket can be played on the oval.
Belconnen United Sharks Junior Rugby League Club President Matt Brown welcomed the upgrades.
“As all sports, including the great game of rugby league, look to continue to grow female participant numbers in community sports, having more dedicated change rooms enhances our ability to make everyone feel welcome, valued and respected as they engage in junior sports, in large part thanks to our new and upgraded facilities,” he said.
“These enhancements will significantly improve the experience for our players, volunteers and the entire community, fostering a more welcoming, inclusive and comfortable environment for everyone in our club.”
Upgraded pavilion features. Photo: Supplied.
Cricket ACT Territory Infrastructure Manager Lauren Coates echoed these sentiments.
“For cricket in the Territory to continue on its current nation-leading trajectory of growth, we need to ensure male and female players of all abilities are able to compete in the best possible facilities. We’re excited to see what impact these and other facility improvements around the region will have on our great game.”
The Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund, made possible through Cricket Australia and Cricket ACT, contributed $25,000 to the upgrades of the pavilion.
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