Labor have committed to contribute to the upgrade of Hammond Park amenities if they come into power in the upcoming Federal election.
Hammond Park, home of Ashfield Pirates, is in need in several upgrades including:
- Female change rooms
- Canteen
- Storage Room
- Improvements to disability access
Sally Sitou, Labor candidate for Reid, visited Hammond Park to announce the commitment of $300,000 to the project.
Ian Holmes, CEO of Canterbury & District Soccer Football Assocation, says that he welcomes the commitment to funding but stressed that more is needed if ensure the sport keeps up with the growth of young girls and women in football.
“Only 35% of football facilities across Australia are female-friendly, and with the participation of women and girls experiencing double-digit growth every year – we need more funding to ensure the sport continues to cater for everyone,” said Holmes.
Ashfield Pirates President, Jean Kouriel, outlined the scope of the plan.
“Not only will the money kick-start this essential up-grade for women and girls, it will also see the commencement of work for a canteen that can also be used by the wider community, a proper storage room and improvements to disability access,” explained Kouriel.
“Ashfield Pirates look forward to working with Sally [if elected] to leverage this starting fund to achieve the required $2.8 million over the next three years to achieve all of our goals.”
Sitou said this was a long-overdue funding boost for the region.
“This is a fantastic announcement for our community here in the Inner West,” said Sitou.
“After almost a decade of neglect from State and Federal Liberal Governments, our community is crying out for investment in our local sporting and recreation facilities.
“This project will benefit thousands of local families – particularly girls and women who have had to make do with inadequate facilities for far too long.”
