Sports is a core part of our culture and communities in Australia. We can invest in infrastructure now that will pay us back in so many ways for years to come.
Several sporting groups and clubs use the Nicholls Enclosed Oval. It hosts rugby, cricket, rugby league, OzTag, soccer, and even mixed martial arts. It is a dated facility that no longer serves the needs of the Gungahlin community. For starters, women players must share a toilet with male players, walking through the men’s change room and past urinals to get there.
Sporting clubs bring community connections, mental and physical health benefits, economic activity, and so much more. The younger players with Gungahlin Bulls Rugby League Club are the under-6’s, where they are developing a life-long love for sports. One of the managers at Gungahlin Eagles has volunteered for over 50 years, since they were the Daramalan Eagles. Incidentally, I’m a Dara boy too, but Rugby was never my strength.
Nicholls Ovals
Nicholls ovals were recently improved, after the condition of the grounds was blamed for multiple lower leg injuries. The surface is better now, but the bar is still set low. The dedicated women’s changing room is a mostly repurposed storage room. There are no dedicated female toilets.
The Gungahlin Eagles (Facebook, website) are unable to accept an invitation to play games at the Gungahlin enclosed oval. With 6 games of Union played on game days, it is not possible to fit at the single oval at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval.
Sporting pavilion
The pavilion at Nichols Enclosed Oval has reached the end of its life, and is due either for a major refurbishment, or more deservedly a complete replacement. The Gungahlin Eagles have commissioned detailed plans and costing to replace the facility. All they need now is government support.
The proposal treats men and women fairly and will encourage community use of the space. It includes:
- Including hirable community rooms,
- Adequate change, shower, and toilet facilities for home and away teams
- First aid and strapping rooms
- Canteen facilities and storage
- Equipment storage
- Multipurpose community rooms
- Modest office space (club and community use)
The proposal is well thought out, scoped, and ready to develop. The community club has already gone above and beyond to support the wider Gungahlin community, and not simply their own interests. This is typical of community sporting clubs – they are filled with good people doing good things. With our support, they could be doing great things.
Actions
- I support the proposed redevelopment of the Nicholls Enclosed Oval pavilion.
- I will push to bring all major Gungahlin sports fields up to at least “fit for purpose” levels, including pavilions and related facilities.
- I commit to ensuring all our sporting clubs have safe and reasonable grounds for training and games.
- I commit to ensuring gender-equality in facilities including toilets, change rooms, and sporting facilities.
Related
- I will call for funding for an ACT Active Kids program.
- An Indoor Sports Centre in Casey
- All new public infrastructure should be carbon-neutral or carbon-negative if possible.