Big investment for Aussie Rules

Aussie Rules on Bribie Island has scored a new $1.8 million facility that is set to kick goals for female participation in the sport. 

Jointly funded by City of Moreton Bay and AFL Queensland, the facility features two unisex change rooms with ambulant showers, delivering improved amenities for the Bribie Island Junior AFL Club and away teams that use the Bribie Island Sports Complex. 

It comes as the Bribie Island Bulldogs celebrate a big win on the field, taking out the U13 Girls Division 2 Brisbane Grand Final recently. 

The facility includes cubicle showers for player privacy, public amenities for game day, storage area and a disability-compliant toilet and shower. AFL Queensland contributed $50,000 to the project through their Grand Final Facilities Fund. 

Mayor Peter Flannery said the new facility ensured the club would help cater for the growing number of female sport participants in the City of Moreton Bay. 

“There is increasing demand for quality and fit-for-purpose sporting facilities to support women's participation,” he said. “We know that Australian Rules football continues to experience strong growth in the City and with this new facility, the Bribie Island Bulldogs will be positioned to capitalise on this growth and provide welcoming and inclusive facilities at Bribie Island Sports Complex.” 

Division 1 Councillor Brooke Savige said the new facility was a welcome boost, with the old amenities block having first been constructed in 1989. 

“The new facility gives visiting female players a positive experience when they come to play the Bulldogs,” she said. “With junior numbers growing every year, I’m excited for what the future holds for the women’s game at Bribie.” 

Bribie Island Junior AFL club president Dannielle McGrath said the new building came at a critical time for the club with nearly 70% of their membership being female and growing. 

“It has been designed to support the growth of girls and women in sport and means that visiting female teams will now have access to modern, private and secure change rooms that meet the standards expected at all levels of the game,” she said. “It’s a massive step forward in showing that as a club we respect every player who visits or plays here. 

“Players of different genders will no longer have to share a single change room, which might seem like a small thing, but it’s hugely important for young people to feel safe and respected in sport. 

“This is about future-proofing girls’ participation in AFL on the Island, we’re creating an environment that says: you belong here and we’re ready for your future.”