Local sports clubs and Clarence and Richmond Valley Councils should race to apply for a share of $50 million from the Nationals in NSW Government to deliver better sports infrastructure for women, according to Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis.

“Local women’s increased participation in team sports like the football codes has led to a demand for female facilities. It is just not good enough for our sportswomen to have to change in the board room,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“The money is also available for other initiatives that support women’s sport so I encourage local stakeholders to put their thinking caps on, because you have to be in it to win it.

Mr Gulaptis’s message was echoed by Minister for Women, Bronnie Taylor who was in Casino and Grafton last week.

Mrs Taylor said getting facilities up to date, particularly women’s change rooms, will ensure all female athletes are supported to take part in a wide range of sports, including once male dominated codes.

“Facilities designed exclusively for women should be standard and this funding will help women all over rural and regional NSW overcome a major hurdle and feel empowered to play the sports they love with comfort and confidence,” Mrs Taylor said.

The money comes from the Nationals in NSW Government’s $100 million Stronger Country Communities Fund, which is part of the NSW Government’s $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, a revenue stream only available to communities in regional NSW.

Applications for Round Four opened on 1 May 2021 and close on 25 June 2021.

For more information, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/SCCF.