Leichhardt Oval seeks millions in Federal government grant funds to improve women's amenities at the grounds

One of Sydney's most iconic venues could be saved from the brink, as Inner West Council make a plea for funding to upgrade facilities at Leichhardt Oval. Here is what we know.

One of Sydney's most iconic sporting grounds – “starved of funds” – could be thrown a lifeline in order to bring it back from the brink after a Sydney council’s bid for federal government funding for vital upgrades.

Inner West Council is seeking a $6.22m to fund upgraded facilities, playing areas or spaces for sport, specifically for women and girls, at the Iconic Leichhardt Oval.

The bid was made to secure the ground as a sporting haven for women’s sporting teams for “decades to come”.

The Play Our Way Program Federal Government grant could allow the council to improve on a variety of women’s amenities with installation of modern female-friendly change rooms to be the highest priority in the development.

Quality of the female change rooms has been a major mark against the oval, after reports broke, that female teams would have to change in tents and were subject to bathrooms that had more urinals than cubicles.

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne has previously made desperate pleas to receive 10 per cent of funding allocated to Penrith’s stadium, however, his proposal was denied by the NSW Government.

Leichhardt oval applies for government grant

Mayor Darcy Byrne

Previously labelled “substandard for women’s sport” Mr Byrne said he was eager to establishb a women’s sport hub at the historic site.

“We’re not looking for a fancy stadium, we’re looking for a basic upgrade that will keep this institution up and running,” he said.

“Our highest priority is fixing the change rooms … [Leichhardt Oval] doesn’t have female friendly change rooms, so it’s not possible for two teams to be in there at a time.”

Inner West Council will be seeking $6.22m of the $200 million government grant for the refurbishing of the ground floor of the existing stadium to incorporate new women’s amenities for players as well as for referees.

Despite lack of funds, council has continued to invest in Leichhardt Oval, injecting over $5m in improvements to the ground in recent years that has improved basic amenities.