Dolphins put runs on the board with new change rooms

On the eve of this summer’s competition, the Gold Coast District Cricket Club at Robina has hit a six for the Palaszczuk Government’s Economic Recovery Plan with the opening of $974,000 in new female-friendly change rooms.

Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the change rooms had been added to each end of the Gold Coast Dolphin’s clubhouse at Bill Pippen Oval.

“This is new infrastructure that’s opening new opportunities for the Dolphins’ ground as a Tier two cricket facility,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Tier two means international women’s matches and training camps for Cricket Australia and Cricket Queensland squads can be hosted at Bill Pippen Oval.

“We’ve contributed $500,000 to new Dolphins change rooms in recognition of the growing number of girls and women staying active on the Gold Coast by playing cricket.

“The upgrade to Tier two cricket also benefits tourism and hospitality businesses by bringing more overnight visitors to the Gold Coast.

“Since 2015, the Palaszczuk Government’s has spent $14.4 million on new and upgraded cricket facilities with our investment in club sport growing across the board in search of a new generation of elite athletes for Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”  

Each change room has four showers, two toilets, a change area, official’s room, physio room and ice bath area. An extra first-aid and umpires’ room has been included in the upgrade, a toilet and shower space with disability access, and new carpet, lights, and paint work for the clubhouse.

Mayor Tom Tate said the new facilities will help sport continue to thrive on the Coast.

“This investment is building on our city’s ability to host more top-level sport,” Mayor Tate said.

“I applaud the State Government for continuing to help the Coast expand its sports and events facilities post the massive investment we all saw in the lead up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“We can now look forward to even more top-flight women’s cricket heading our way.”

The City of Gold Coast contributed $250,000 to the project with Cricket Queensland adding $150,000 and $74,000 from the Dolphins.

Member for Gaven and Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the upgrade supported 20 local contractors.

“That’s local construction jobs supporting the Gold Coast’s Covid-19 economic recovery,” Ms Scanlon said.

“We know when girls and women have access to new facilities like female-friendly change rooms they’re more likely to take up sport and continue playing.

“Cricket isn’t just for the boys with females making up one third of all players lining up at the crease.”

Gold Coast District Cricket Club Secretary Kellie Bradshaw said nearly half the club’s 150 players are women and girls.

“We actually have more junior girl’s teams than junior boy’s teams so these change rooms will make a really big difference to all those players,” said Ms Bradshaw.

“We already have clubs and teams enquiring about holding training camps now that we have state-of-the-art facilities including a block of nine practice turf wickets with brand new batting cages and three synthetic practice nets.

“The change rooms give us that extra edge to attracting those really high-level teams and helping us increase our player base in the years ahead.”

Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson thanked all parties for their commitment to improving facilities for women and girls.

“The Gold Coast Dolphins play in the KFC Premier Grade competition and are a major hub for senior and junior cricket,” said Mr Svenson.

“To have a facility that is more user-friendly for all players is an important and welcome addition to cricket’s infrastructure in the area.

“While the improvements have made the venue more accessible for the Gold Coast cricketing community, they also provide Queensland Cricket with another venue that meets the necessary standards to host international and domestic cricket playing and training requirements.

“Congratulations to the hard-working volunteers at the Dolphins and Cricket Gold Coast for their efforts in bringing this project to fruition.

“We also gratefully acknowledge the wonderful support from the Queensland Government and City of Gold Coast in backing this significant project.”

The Gold Coast has produced Australian representative players including Craig McDermott, Andrew Symonds and Scott Muller in the men’s competition, and Kim Fazackerley, Delissa Kimmince and Sammy-Jo Johnson in the women’s competition, as well as ICC umpire Bruce Oxenford.

Media: 0427 475 089. 

**Official ribbon cutting pic is here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/1bdyw4cxvcuh6je/Gold%20Coast%20Dolphinjs%20Cricket.jpg?dl=0