Bribie Bulldogs kick $1.8m goal

Above: Bribie players Summer McGrath and Ayva Anderson by the new amenities and change room facility.

Aussie Rules has been given a $1.8 million boost on Bribie Island with new facilities for female players and away teams.

Funded by City of Moreton Bay and AFL Queensland, there are two new unisex change rooms with ambulant showers at Bribie Island Junior AFL Club.

It comes as the Bribie Island Bulldogs celebrate a big win - taking out the U13 Girls Division 2 Brisbane Grand Final last weekend.

The facility includes cubicle showers for player privacy, public amenities for game day, storage area and a disability-compliant toilet and shower.

“With this new facility, the Bribie Island Bulldogs will be positioned to capitalise on this growth (in AFL) and provide welcoming and inclusive facilities at Bribie Island Sports Complex,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.

Councillor Brooke Savige (Div 1) said the new facility was a welcome boost, with the old amenities block having been built in 1989.

“The installation of this modern facility now opens up the possibility of additional revenue streams generated through future venue hire,” she said.

Bribie Island Junior AFL president Dannielle McGrath said the new building came at a critical time with nearly 70 per cent of membership being female.

“It has been designed to support the growth of girls and women in sport and means 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.

“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.”

Ms McGrath also highlighted the importance of having ambulant compliant toilets and showers: “They provide a space where players who may have previously felt awkward or uncomfortable can now feel at ease,” she said.

Head of AFL Queensland and International Trisha Squires was delighted for the club which has heavily invested in their NAB AFL Auskick and junior AFL programs.

AFL Queensland gave $50,000 to the project through their Grand Final Facilities Fund.