New Pat Rollo Pavilion provides boost to female sports participation
Published on 30 May 2022
The new $2.8 million Pat Rollo Pavilion at Frankston North is shining thanks to major investment from Frankston City Council and the State Government.
Mayor Nathan Conroy, the State Member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke MP, Pines Football Netball Club President Jeff Svigos and Pines Cricket Club President Brad Saunders joined with excited club members to officially open the new pavilion – thanks to $844,000 funding from Frankston City Council and $2 million from the Victorian Government. North West Ward Cr Sue Baker, South Ward Cr Brad Hill, Council CEO Phil Cantillon and Council Director Communities Angela Hughes also attended the opening.
The new facility is used by Pines Football Netball Club, Pines Junior Football Club, Pines Cricket Club and students from nearby Aldercourt Primary School.
The new pavilion includes two new female-friendly change rooms, umpires rooms, accessible toilets, a kitchen and kiosk, a meeting room and a social room.
Mayor Conroy said Council wants everyone to have the same access and opportunities to sport and leisure, adding: “That means removing barriers – such as inadequate change rooms and toilets – and introducing modern and engaging places and spaces.
“This is a strong step toward increasing female participation in football. It will support the growing numbers of girls and young women wanting to play football – not just in Frankston North, but across the regional league.”
Mayor Conroy said the new pavilion is complemented by the upgrade of the sports lighting, adding: “These projects together now provide a fit for purpose, multipurpose and sustainable facility that will allow both the Pines Junior Football Club and Pines Cricket Club to develop additional services including female specific programs.
“The inclusion of the two umpire rooms will ensure that female participation in the sport of AFL and cricket at this location is supported in all spheres of the game,” he said.
Mayor Conroy added: “We’re excited that additional works at the reserve include a new oval fence following some reshaping of the ground, ball protection fence, walking paths, fitness equipment and landscaping.
“These will be delivered over the next few months. This is a fantastic outcome for the Frankston North community.”
The State Member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke MP, said: “This is a fantastic celebration for Pines Cricket Club and Pines Junior Football Club following years of tenacity from Club members to get this important redevelopment moving.
“I’m delighted the Victorian Government was able to contribute towards a project that will mean so much to the Frankston North community now and for future generations.
“This is truly now an amazing facility that will serve our enthusiastic junior players very well. It is everything we had hoped for and something the young football players that come through here will be proud of in Frankston North.”
Pines Football Netball Club President, Jeff Svigos, said: “This will attract even more kids into sport from within the Frankston North community.
“The new facility will be an exponential return on investment as it will keep kids in clubs and engaged. Our clubs give kids a good start in life not just from physical activity, but volunteering and work,” he said.
Pines Cricket Club President, Brad Saunders, said: “We have families keep coming back here because of who we are. We’re not just a club, we’re a family and we’ve always believed that. We always support each other and welcome people. To see this new building – what was once a really struggling old building – is truly amazing,” he said.