New facilities for Newport's Porter Reserve support increasing female participation in sport

Porter Reserve in the Sydney northern beaches suburb of Newport has had its new amenities building and kiosk officially opened in time for the Rugby season and in support of increasing female participation in sport.

The reserve is home to Newport Breakers Rugby Club and Newport Junior Rugby Club and is used heavily during the winter sports' season for rugby training, games and gala days.

The focus of the new amenities building is a female change room with toilets and showers, which complements the existing change rooms, a first aid room, accessible amenities, canteen and balcony area and seating.

At the official opening on Friday 28th April, the club was joined by the Australian Women’s 7’s team attending to celebrate the milestone and run through a training session with the members.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the new facility supports the community’s recreational needs and Council’s commitment to help more women participate in the sport.

Mayor Regan noted “Rugby provides so many benefits to its players not only physically, but mentally and socially. We’re excited the addition of these facilities will also directly benefit the rise in women playing the sport.”

The build took eight months to complete and cost $1.1 million of which $400,000 was funded by a grant from the NSW’s Government’s Office of Sport.

NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said these improvements reflect the government’s commitment to reducing barriers to female participation in sport and recreation.

“Improving our state’s sporting infrastructure is key in reducing barriers for women’s participation in sport. It ensures all athletes feel supported and comfortable,” Minister Harrison said.

“These changes start at a grassroots level and are reflected in the success of our elite athletes. The future of women’s sport relies on investments into better sporting facilities for girls today.”

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said that the State Government is committed to increasing and improving the number of sporting facilities and spaces in cities across NSW.

“Having facilities that reflect and meet the needs of the people they serve is vital to creating active communities and encouraging healthy lifestyles,” Minister Kamper added.

“Projects such as these will provide an immediate benefit to players accessing the facilities and will have a lasting impact for years to come.”

Josh Griggs President of the Junior Rugby Club shared “for 60 years Porter Reserve has been the home of Newport Rugby, with a Rugby community of over 750 families across both the junior and senior clubs and now were also home to over 75 female players.

“These great new facilities will support the enjoyment, accessibility and solidify our commitment to inclusive rugby for all.”

For more information on Office of Sport grant programs, visit Office of Sport.

Image. NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison joined the Australian Women’s Rugby Sevens team at Porter Reserve Newport for the official opening ceremony for a new amenities block that features women’s change rooms. Credit: Newport Junior Rugby Club