Investment in Perth’s Cockburn ARC female changing rooms aimed at attracting more women and girls

March 1, 2024

The Western Australian Government is investing in female and unisex changing rooms at Perth’s Cockburn ARC hoping to encourage increased participation from women and girls in sport, fitness and active recreation.

The State Government is contributing $2.5 million to the $16.2 million City of Cockburn ARC and Fremantle Football Club Community Expansion Project - Cockburn ARC is the city's aquatic and recreation centre and home to the Fremantle Dockers Training and Administration Facility.

The State Government contribution to the project, located in Perth's southern suburbs, will deliver:

three changerooms including a female specific changeroom;
umpire changerooms, first aid and public amenities;
storage;
multipurpose education space; and
spectator terrace and seating.

A new female changeroom will support the Fremantle Football Club's AFLW program at the adjacent Victor George Kailis Oval. Construction of the changerooms is due to start in March.

Total cost of this part of the project is $6.6 million.

WA Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman notes "Female and unisex changeroom facilities are a priority for our Government and this project is another example of that.

"In light of the formation of our AFLW teams and the huge response to last year's FIFA Women's World Cup, more young women are playing these sports and need suitable changerooms, like their male counterparts have had for a long time.

"In a wider context, any facilities which encourage more woman and girls to take part in sport and active recreation are a positive for the community, both from a mental and physical health perspective."

The City of Cockburn is also giving its fitness centre a $9.6 million revamp to upgrade and expand its gym, group fitness, indoor cycling and wellness studio spaces.

The combined cost of the Community Expansion Project is $16.2 million, which includes a $3.15 million from Fremantle Football Club and the AFL, plus $350,000 from the WA Football Commission (WAFC).

City of Cockburn Mayor Logan K. Howlett added "This project is not just about expanding services, it's about enhancing lives by providing facilities with considerable social and health benefits.

"The City provides world-class recreation facilities to our residents, so they can enjoy places to exercise, socialise, connect and have fun.

"This evolution will expand opportunities for residents and visitors to join exercise classes, participate in mind, body, and wellness sessions, and work out in an award-winning gym."

5th December 2023 - Cockburn ARC fitness and wellness facilities to be revamped over 2024/25

15th November 2023 - Expansion of Perth’s Cockburn ARC to include new facilities for AFL’s Fremantle Dockers

14th August 2023 - City of Cockburn awards construction tender for BMX park at Bibra Lake

29th September 2021 - Plans announced for expansion of Cockburn ARC

15th January 2021 - Fremantle-based architects appointed to complete Cockburn’s Aboriginal and Cultural Centre

18th June 2020 - Cockburn ARC welcomes back patrons after Coronavirus shutdown

12th May 2020 - Cockburn ARC named not-for-profit Fitness Business of the Year at 2020 Australian Fitness Awards

11th July 2019 - Cockburn ARC named Western Australia’s 40th Waterwise aquatic centre

3rd May 2019 - Cockburn ARC gets further recognition for marketing excellence

5th February 2019 - Innovative Swim Wall enhances pool efficiency and programming at Cockburn ARC

18th October 2018 - Cockburn ARC named PLA 2018 Community Facility of the Year

24th August 2018 - Cockburn ARC gets further recognition with Royal Life Saving Society facility management award

7th May 2018 - Cockburn ARC promotes sunscreen awareness with risqué slogan

1st March 2018 - Cockburn ARC welcomes one millionth visitor

8th February 2018 - Cockburn ARC waterslide closed due to air quality concerns

13th November 2017 - New steps improve access to Cockburn ARC pool

29th August 2017 - Cockburn ARC branding achievements recognised with industry communications and marketing award

31st July 2017 - Cockburn ARC wins Master Builders award

20th May 2017 - Cockburn ARC opening a new ‘facility benchmark’

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