Wagga's McPherson Oval secures more than $700k upgrade for female athletes

The McPherson Oval upgrade is part of NSW Government’s $30-million Level the Playing Field Program. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.

Wagga Wagga’s female athletes are set to benefit from hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding for the enhancement of sports facilities for women and girls and to foster inclusivity.

McPherson Oval has received $739,000 in funding as part of the NSW Government’s Level Playing Field Program to upgrade the female changerooms and amenities.

The McPherson Oval upgrade is one of 26 projects across NSW funded by the NSW Government’s $30-million program, which aims to make sports facilities more inclusive for women and girls.

Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr welcomed the funding and said it was vital to provide the right facilities to encourage more women and girls to participate in sports.

“This important upgrade is an important step towards greater inclusivity in sport,” Dr McGirr said.

“I look forward to working with the government to expand upon this development and enable more women and girls to become involved in sport into the future.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said that while sport should be inclusive for people of all ages, genders, and abilities, women faced different barriers to participation to men.

“This program delivers on the NSW Government’s commitment to creating a level playing field for women at all levels of sport,” Ms Harrison said.

“Through projects like the ones announced today, we will enable more women and girls to develop a lifelong love of sport.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said the State Government was levelling the playing field for women’s sport.

“By transforming and expanding sports facilities across NSW we are enabling more women and girls to participate in sport,” Mr Kamper said.

“But most importantly, we are providing safer, more comfortable and inclusive facilities, breaking down the barriers that have traditionally prevented many women from participating in sport.”

Inspired by the Matildas’ success at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the program will fund the construction of new and upgraded sports facilities, inclusive amenities, and improved lighting through grants of $200,000 to $2 million.

Find out more about the Level the Playing Field Program.