Western Victoria MP Jaala Pulford announced Northern Grampians Shire Council was successful in the latest round of the state government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.

Ms Pulford said $100,000 had been approved for North Park to redevelop the existing amenities to include two unisex change rooms as well as facilities for umpires and officials.

“We’re working hard to give more locals in Stawell the opportunity to play the sports they love, and embrace a more active and healthy lifestyle,” she said.

“This boost will go a long way towards helping cater for the growing number of people keen to get involved in sport right here in Stawell.”

Home of Swifts Football Netball Club as well as athletics and cricket clubs, North Park has been outdated for many years, lacking female changing facilities.

Swifts vice-president Ian O’Donnell has been a long time campaigner for upgrades to North Park and said the new funding is a step in the right direction.

“We are finally getting there,” he said.

“The girls have never had anywhere to get changed. The new facilities won’t just be for our netballers but also for all the athletics and other events that get held at North Park.

“Hopefully this will be the start of something bigger.”

$14 million of funding has been handed out to build female-friendly facilities at recreation facilities across the state.

“We are working with councils, local clubs and peak organisations to actively promote inclusive cultures, policies and initiatives that promote female participation on and off the field,” Ms Pulford said.