THE City of Whittlesea will commence upgrade works on the Mill Park Basketball Stadium this month.
The $2.9 million redevelopment of the sports hub will include new gender-neutral and family change rooms, accessible public toilets, shower and change facilities, an updated kitchen and canteen, as well as fit-for-purpose spaces to help clubs grow.
City of Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the upgrade would transform the outdated facility and exceed accessibility standards.
“The addition of female-friendly and accessible facilities will provide a safer and more user-friendly environment for both players and spectators,” she said.
“The new facilities will go a long way towards creating a place for girls and women to participate in sport and gain lifelong skills that come with playing team sports.”
Eliana Lumani, 15, plays for Whittlesea Pacers basketball team and welcomed the gender-neutral upgrades.
“It will make us feel more comfortable,” she said.
Eliana’s mother Freda Lumani agreed the upgrade was significant for women in sport and would benefit everyone involved in the club.
“We’re spending not just an hour or two, we’re spending weekends there, so to have those facilities upgraded and accommodating will make a world of difference,” she said.
“It highlights that [women] are important people within the club and that they are valued.”
The State Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program contributed $1 million towards the redevelopment, in addition to council’s $1.9 million.
