The Queanbeyan Tigers are set to reap the rewards for their investment in women's football with a commitment that could make their home the benchmark for equality.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Member for Monaro John Barilaro has announced a re-elected NSW Liberals and Nationals government will give the Tigers a $590,000 injection geared towards the club's women's sides.
The Tigers have emerged as a powerhouse in AFL Canberra's women's competition in recent years, and added a second side to their ranks last season.
Now the club is set to benefit from their dedication to women's football with Barilaro committing to building new change rooms and toilets for females at Margaret Donoghoe Oval.
The existing facilities at the venue date back to the 1980s but the dramatic shift in football's landscape brought about by the governing body's commitment to women's football has laid that platform for change.
"Since 1925, the Queanbeyan Tigers have been a part of the fabric of our city, and over the years they have not only grown their men’s side, they’ve also come out strong with fantastic women’s teams,” Mr Barilaro said.
"That’s why I’m announcing funding to build brand new change rooms, toilets and a match day team room for the Tigerettes and our local female teams.
"AFL is no longer a men’s sport. The Queanbeyan Tigers have transformed their club and are very encouraging of their female teams, and I’m excited to be helping the Tigers and the Tigerettes as they transform their clubhouse and facilities."
The funding injection is on top of the $450,000 delivered for upgrades to the venue's lights last year which paved the way for more night games - and inevitably, higher electricity bills.
"That’s why part of this funding will be used for the installation of solar panels at the clubhouse. Electricity is a substantial cost for the Tigers, and the club will see major benefits when it comes time to pay the bills," Barilaro said.
Tigers general manager Adrian Pavese lauded Barilaro's commitment to the Tigers as the men's senior side prepares for a season opener against the Gungahlin Jets at Margaret Donoghoe Oval on April 13, with the women's side to launch their campaign a day later.
"His advocacy and personal support for the club has been tremendous, but today’s announcement just blows it out of the water," Pavese said.
"The new facilities will accommodate the many varied teams that use the facility for training and match day, including representative teams, NEAFL teams, school teams and [GWS] Giants development squads."
