Joint Statement - Liberals will deliver an upgrade to Wattie Watson Pavilion

Joint Statement – Liberals will deliver an upgrade to Wattie Watson Pavilion

James Newbury,  Member for Brighton

Lauren Sherson, Liberal Candidate for Albert Park

20 September 2022.

A Matt Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will commit $2.5 million towards upgrading the Wattie Watson Pavilion.

The Wattie Watson Oval and Pavilion in Elwood is home to many sporting codes, which are all being played on any given week. The sportsgrounds and Wattie Watson Pavilion is a popular venue for the local community, continuing to grow as a hub for cricket, soccer, and football, as well as a home for other community groups and activities.

Home to the St Kilda City Junior Football Club, a club with 25 teams and a very active membership, the Wattie Watson Pavilion is in urgent need of an upgrade to cater for growing demand, especially for female sports participants. The pavilion change rooms also are not female friendly currently.

Wattie Watson Pavilion is comprised of a gender-neutral central change room and adjacent shower space where males and females share the same area.

With the growing number of female sports participants, girls and women have the right to feel comfortable to be able to change and shower in privacy.

Member for Brighton, James Newbury, said that despite continued advocacy for gender specific change rooms, Council and the Andrews Labor Government have refused to upgrade the facilities.

“Women and girls deserve to have their own change room without having men walking in on them. Too many girls are now resorting to changing in the car. Today’s announcement is a real solution to fix that.”

“This funding commitment from a Matt Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will enable female and male sports participants who use Wattie Watson Pavilion to have their own changing rooms, giving them privacy and comfort.”

Liberal Candidate for Albert Park, Lauren Sherson, said this commitment would be welcomed by all members of the sporting clubs, as well the wider local community.

“This upgrade will help continue make Wattie Watson Pavilion one of the premiere sporting facilities in Elwood.”

James Newbury, Member for Brighton

Lauren Sherson, Liberal Candidate for Albert Park