By Rowan Forster
The Pakenham Junior Football Club’s woeful lack of facilities has again been thrust into the limelight as the team clamours to find cash for a new pavilion.
Due to the meteoric rise of women’s football across the state, the Pakenham Lions will take on two additional female teams in 2019 – further straining the club’s ancient infrastructure.
Girls are being inadvertently exposed in change rooms and forced to dress in cars and behind trees because the Princes Highway oval only boasts one toilet and locker area.
In a bid to alleviate the club’s pressure and prevent further “traumatic” interactions, Brian Paynter on Friday announced an elected Guy Government would commit $500,000 towards the club’s desired new pavilion.
It comes on top of a $500,000 commitment from Cardinia Shire Council.
For Lions president Travis Hamilton, it is a much-needed shot in the arm.
“Council has helped us out and we’re incredible thankful for Brian’s support,” he said.
“This issue is only going to get worse and safety should be the number one concern.
“Women want to feel comfortable coming into a male-dominated sport.
“We’ve had a number of males accidentally walk in on the girls in the room and in this day and age that’s not ok.”
However, the new pavilion is estimated to cost $3.6 million.
However, even a $1 million cash splash would only allow the Lions to undertake early works.
Mr Hamilton hopes to receive further funding from the Federal Government.
On Friday, he invited Latrobe MP Jason Wood and Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister Andrew Broad to tour the ageing facility.
Mr Broad – who works alongside Nationals Leader Michael McCormack on grassroots infrastructure projects – acknowledged the club’s plight.
“Clearly the facilities here were great 20 years ago, but they’re not great for 2018,” he said.
“I think the growth here is the story, and the facilities have to catch up.
“When I sit on the committee and look at which ones get funded, if I’ve physically seen it, it makes it easier for me to say this should get done.”
The Pakenham Junior Football Club’s current pavilion was developed about 20 years ago.
It was first constructed when the club reached a milestone 100 players.
According to Mr Paynter, the club now has more than 840 members.
He said the project is long overdue.
“I have fond memories of playing in the Pakenham Junior Football Club, and have worked with the club on this project for a number of years,” Mr Paynter said.
“It is so rewarding to help achieve this funding to see it become a more welcoming place for players, officials and spectators.
“Unlike the Andrews Labor Government, who handballed $225 million to the AFL, a Liberal National Government will never neglect and forget about grassroots sporting clubs.”
