Surfers Paradise Dolphins launch Gold Coast’s first gender-neutral facilities

The Surfers Paradise Dolphins are using a $200,000 state government sporting grant to build the region’s first gender-neutral rugby facilities.

Surfers Paradise Dolphins are using a $200,000 state government sporting grant to build the region’s first gender-neutral rugby facilities.

The club broke ground on two new unisex changing rooms in July to cater for the booming growth of women’s rugby in Australia.

Gold Coast rugby union club Surfers Paradise Dolphins are building the region’s first gender-neutral rugby facilities. Pictured: Kris Burton. Pic: Jerad Williams

The build will also install disabled toilet facilities and a baby changing room in a bid to become more inclusive.

Departing club president Anthony Ralph said the move would help the club continue to grow into the future.

“We’re all really excited for next year,” he said.

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“This has all been a bit of a secret because rugby is finished for the year.

“I think a lot of people will come back next year and be blown away.

“We want to get people in of all types, all walks of life and levels of ability - if we can become more inclusive from a rugby point of view we’ll do really well.”

An artist's impression of the new changing rooms at Surfers Paradise Dolphins. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Ralph, who stepped down from the club presidency to oversee the construction with his building company Arrant Building and Constructions, said the new facilities would likely be his legacy at the club.

“This project has been a long time coming,” he said.

“I personally wrote the application for the grant in 2017 so I’d like to think this will be my legacy as president.

“It’ll be nice to physically say I’ve been able to change the face of Surfers Paradise rugby union.”

A $17,000 contribution from Gold Coast City Council will fund the construction of a new viewing deck for spectators to watch games on the Dolphins’ secondary field.

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Originally published as Surfers Paradise Dolphins launch Gold Coast’s first gender-neutral facilities