New gender-neutral changerooms in Exmouth Recreation Centre to accommodate female athletes

New gender-neutral changerooms will level the playing field for women’s sport in Exmouth with an aim to increase social interaction and inclusion. Upgrades to the outdated facilities in the Exmouth Recreation Centre, which catered primarily to male sporting needs, now include three female-friendly changerooms, adjoining toilet and doors on all shower facilities. Sport and Recreation Minister Tony Buti said the State Government was committed to increasing female participation in sports. “Women’s sport has experienced substantial growth in recent years, but unfortunately the facilities to accommodate women’s sporting teams hasn’t always kept up,” he said. “I am pleased that, thanks to the (Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund), we are helping to level the playing field for women’s sport in the Exmouth community.” Labor Member for Mining and Pastoral Kyle McGinn said facilities could make a difference in attracting and retaining club members. “This is all about inclusion, ensuring sport is accessible to the entire community so that more women and more people of different abilities can participate,” he said. “There are many sporting clubs in the close vicinity, and all will benefit from better quality changerooms and inclusive access.” The $285,000 project was funded by the Shire of Exmouth and the State Government.