After a long wait, the North Gambier Netball Club’s new courtside facility was officially opened at Vansittart Park during Saturday’s round 6 Western Border netball clash against East Gambier.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin officially opened the new building and said it was a significant moment for the Tigers.

“Across Barker our Government is supporting grassroots sporting clubs upgrade infrastructure because we recognise the wider health, social and community benefits that come from greater activity and participating in sport,” he said.

“I am proud to have delivered $213,387 to make this project possible through the Federal Government’s Community Sporting Infrastructure Program.

“North Gambier Netball Club now has a first-class facility, encompassing change rooms, bathrooms, meeting room, storage and spectator viewing areas.

“I congratulate the North Gambier Netball Club on finalising this fantastic project.”

North Gambier Netball Club president said Jordana Allen said before 2022, female players and spectators at Vansittart Park netball courts and oval were unable to access toilet or change room facilities within proximity.

Instead they were forced to use either the playground facility or the football grandstand toilets, both of which are a significant distance from the courts and/or unsuitable for female players.

“This raised safety and wellbeing concerns for all female netball and football players, especially junior players,” she said.

“With the support of the Federal Government grant combined with club fundraising, we have now been able to build a state of the art female friendly facility which encompasses toilets and showers, change rooms, meeting room and equipment storage room.

“It also has an outdoor tiered seating area which provides line of sight viewing to all netball courts.

“It is a new era for all female players and spectators of the North Gambier netball and football community.”