By MELISSA MEEHAN
FEMALE umpires and netballers get changed in their cars before matches at Chandler Reserve in Avonsleigh.
The awkward situation isn’t their choice, but caused by a lack of female change rooms at the ground.
Emerald Football Club president Bruce Rush is pushing for funding to upgrade facilities in the lead up to the State Election.
Already recognised as one of the worst facilities in the shire, Mr Rush said his club desperately needed funding to improve the change room facilities as well as renovating the club in general.
“We’ve met with candidates Brad Battin and Collin Ross on the issue, and while there have been no commitments yet, we feel as though our discussions have been positive,” Mr Rush said.
“We’ve spoken to the council and other avenues of funding too, but any upgrade would be dependent on State Government funding.”
Mr Rush said that it was important for the four football teams, four netball teams as well as cricket and tennis club members to have facilities that are up to scratch.
“The council has been great to us,” he said.
“We have a new oval now, but to come back and see these buildings that are really looking tired and sad – it’s obvious that this is the next project for us.”
Sitting member and candidate for Gembrook Brad Battin said he met with the Emerald Football Netball Club and the Minister for Sport Damian Drum last week to view the conditions of the change rooms and social rooms at the club.
“I have met with the minister numerous times to discuss the ongoing concerns within the club rooms,” Mr Battin said.
“In all plans to be approved by the club at a local level, it is vital to have adequate umpires’ rooms and facilities for females.
“I will meet with the minister again to discuss the condition of Chandler Reserve and how we can assist in the future.”
Mr Rush said meetings with Collin Ross had been positive, but Mr Ross said he could not make any funding promises for the moment.
Mr Ross was contacted by the Mail for comment last week, but did not respond by the time we went to print.
