Two football fields at South Nowra will receive a major lighting boost through the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $25 million Female Friendly Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Program.
Liberal candidate for South Coast, Luke Sikora, attended the announcement which will make these fields safer and more welcoming to female athletes.
“Everyone should feel safe when they are playing sport in the community and this funding for lighting will be going to good use at South Nowra,” Mr Sikora said.
“Women’s sport is very popular and we want to encourage more participation with an investment like this into community sport.”
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the $339,075 boost would help Shoalhaven City Council deliver high quality floodlighting for Fields 4 and 5 at South Nowra.
“Women’s sport is booming in NSW and this program will deliver the facilities women and girls need and deserve,” Mr Henskens said.
“This groundbreaking program will level the playing field by improving facilities that for decades have been predominately used by men, but now cater for a growing number of women’s and girls’ sporting teams.”
Since 2017 the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has committed more than $1 billion to deliver new and upgraded community sport facilities.
Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock said the facility is used by the football community throughout the year and this investment would help to boost female participation by providing a safer environment for women and girls.
“Community sport is a vital part of our social fabric and some of the biggest barriers faced by women and girls are the lack of female change rooms and amenities, as well as adequate lighting,” Mrs Hancock said.
“South Nowra Football Fields are not only heavily used throughout winter, they’re also used during summer for local football competitions. This funding boost to upgrade lighting will mean more women can play football safely at South Nowra.”
More information about the program is available online.