Investment in Perth’s Cockburn ARC female changing rooms aimed at attracting more women and girls

The Western Australian Government is investing in female and unisex changing rooms at Perth’s Cockburn ARC hoping to encourage increased participation from women and girls in sport, fitness and active recreation.

The State Government is contributing $2.5 million to the $16.2 million City of Cockburn ARC and Fremantle Football Club Community Expansion Project - Cockburn ARC is the city's aquatic and recreation centre and home to the Fremantle Dockers Training and Administration Facility.

The State Government contribution to the project, located in Perth's southern suburbs, will deliver:

• three changerooms including a female specific changeroom;

• umpire changerooms, first aid and public amenities;

• storage;

• multipurpose education space; and

• spectator terrace and seating.

A new female changeroom will support the Fremantle Football Club's AFLW program at the adjacent Victor George Kailis Oval. Construction of the changerooms is due to start in March.

Total cost of this part of the project is $6.6 million.

WA Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman notes "Female and unisex changeroom facilities are a priority for our Government and this project is another example of that.

"In light of the formation of our AFLW teams and the huge response to last year's FIFA Women's World Cup, more young women are playing these sports and need suitable changerooms, like their male counterparts have had for a long time.

"In a wider context, any facilities which encourage more woman and girls to take part in sport and active recreation are a positive for the community, both from a mental and physical health perspective."

The City of Cockburn is also giving its fitness centre a $9.6 million revamp to upgrade and expand its gym, group fitness, indoor cycling and wellness studio spaces.

The combined cost of the Community Expansion Project is $16.2 million, which includes a $3.15 million from Fremantle Football Club and the AFL, plus $350,000 from the WA Football Commission (WAFC).

City of Cockburn Mayor Logan K. Howlett added "This project is not just about expanding services, it's about enhancing lives by providing facilities with considerable social and health benefits.

"The City provides world-class recreation facilities to our residents, so they can enjoy places to exercise, socialise, connect and have fun.

"This evolution will expand opportunities for residents and visitors to join exercise classes, participate in mind, body, and wellness sessions, and work out in an award-winning gym."