FEMALE SPORTING AMENITIES RECEIVE A BOOST IN BALONNE
Published on 05 June 2025
Female sporting amenities in the Balonne Shire have received a significant boost with the construction of dedicated female changerooms and amenities block in the Shire’s major sporting field of Rowden Park.
Female sport has a very strong following at Rowden Park and the aim of this facility is to support and further promote growth in female sports in the Shire.
The new facility includes two separate changerooms and an Umpire’s changeroom all with showers, toilets and wash facilities, as well as a suite of five public toilet facilities complete disability access, shower and baby changeroom.
The female change rooms are in line with the Rowden Park Master Plan and are set to be officially opened at the next Frillies home game on Saturday 7 June at 1:15pm.
Mayor Samantha O’Toole is delighted that this new facility is set to be opened for use by local sporting groups. “Our female sporting groups and clubs have such a strong following in the Shire and we are so proud to be able to support them with these new facilities”, said Mayor O’Toole.
“Whether it be Rugby Union, Rugby League, Cricket or any other sporting code played at Rowden Park, we now have a facility that will help to support female participation in sport and recreation activities in the Shire.
“We will be launching this facility after the next Frillies home game and I would urge everyone to come on down to Rowden Park and support the ladies match on Saturday 7 June at 12pm, before the official opening.
“This new facility is in line with the Rowden Park Master Plan, which involved an extensive consultation with the community and the Rowden Park User Group.”
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the new facilities would allow more people to connect through sport.
“Rowden Park is not just a sporting field; it’s a place for the community to come together”, said Minister Mander.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to supporting accessible and inclusive sport.
“We want to ensure female sport thrives and we know clubs need facilities to support women and girls as they officiate, spectate, and participate.
“It’s great to see these new facilities up and running and to know they’ll support the community to come together and enjoy sport for years to come.”
This new facility was made possible due to a joint funding arrangement with the Queensland Government providing $520,000 and Council contributing $184,000 for the new Female Sporting Amenities Block to enable Queenslanders to participate in sport and recreation activities.