New facilities at Passmore Oval will ensure women’s teams no longer have to play “second fiddle” to their male counterparts.
That’s the opinion of Hamilton Hawks Rugby Club president Lesa Mason after the Wickham venue recently underwent a $2.6 million makeover.
The redevelopment of the grandstand has delivered dedicated female home and away changerooms for the union organisation and Hamilton-Wickham Cricket Club, as well as their rivals.
“We have a vision, alongside Rugby Australia, to see more women and girls in rugby,” Ms Mason said, with the Hawks successfully securing $1 million from the NSW Government’s Greater Cities Sport Facility Fund.
“So, we want to provide opportunities for female teams to be established across all levels.
“Participation rates in women’s rugby are booming and these purpose-built dressing rooms are certain to encourage more girls to get involved.
“Our men’s Premier One side is already the most successful outfit since the turn of the century, winning nine premierships.
“These improvements can only help make it even more formidable.”
The changerooms are housed within a new two-storey building constructed at the back of the existing grandstand, which also provides accessible amenities and viewing areas for both Passmore Oval and its adjacent Hawkins Oval.
A community meeting room, shared exercise training area and storage rooms were also included in the upgrade.
Hamilton-Wickham secretary Paul Rodgers said the redevelopment would provide great benefits for the cricket club.
“We were one of the four original clubs in the women’s T20 competition when it started in 2019,” he added.
“So, it’s great our players will now have their own changeroom.
“The accessible viewing areas will encourage more spectators of all ages and abilities to come and watch men’s and women’s games on both Passmore and Hawkins ovals.
“The other upgrades will also allow Passmore to become a key venue for hosting major national tournaments, matches and regional carnivals.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project aligned with City of Newcastle’s 10-year Strategic Sports Plan.
“We’re aiming to provide facilities that support universal access and meet the future demands of the Newcastle community,” she explained.
“Specially-designed female changerooms will be housed on the ground floor of the new building and the upper level will feature an accessible balcony overlooking Hawkins Oval.
“The redevelopment ensures the spectator facilities cater to all members of our community with the existing grandstand also featuring a lift and viewing space for wheelchair users overlooking Passmore Oval.”
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