Push to upgrade ageing facility at Roy Dore Reserve, Carrum, which can’t cater for women’s comp
DESPITE hosting almost 200 female members, this reserve in Melbourne’s south doesn’t even have a women’s changeroom.
South East
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DESPITE hosting almost 200 female members, Carrum’s Roy Dore Reserve doesn’t even have a women’s changeroom.
Plans for a women’s footy team have been put on hold because of the lack of female-only areas.
But a grassroots battle is now underway to upgrade all the facilities at the reserve, which is used by more than 10 groups and 1500 members.
The reserve clubhouse hasn’t been upgraded since it was built almost 50 years ago — the storage bays are overflowing and the tiny social room can’t hold the ever-growing influx of eager members.
Carrum Patterson Lakes Sports Club spokesman Andrew Adams said it was an “undersized” and ageing facility.
“The sports club itself was built in the 70s, and it’s well overdue for a revamp,” Mr Adams said.
“The changerooms are our main issue — we want to start a women’s footy team, but we can’t even do it because we don’t have the facilities.”
The clubs have been preparing plans and pleading their case with the State and Local Government.
The proposal is for a modern, double-storey facility, with disabled access, female friendly changerooms, meetings rooms, a function area, kitchen, bar, canteen and more.
Kingston councillors have voted to send officers to consult with users and nearby residents and prepare a report.
Outgoing South Ward councillor John Ronke said, even though council will be restricted by the caretaker period, they can “at least begin work on funding options”.
Kingston mayor Tamsin Bearsley said the current pavilion was a product of bygone era, when the needs of female sports players weren’t considered.
“This is really a step in the right direction for one of Kingston’s very tired buildings,” she said.
Carrum and Patterson Lakes Forum founder Cameron Howe said the community was behind “this important project.”
Early estimates put the cost of the redevelopment at between $4-5 million — but Mr Adams said the clubs were willing to contribute.
Kingston council officers will now prepare a report to be considered in the 2016/17 Council Budget.