The Australian Government is helping to deliver a more inclusive sporting experience for communities on South Australia’s Limestone Coast after opening a new multipurpose sporting facility at Kalangadoo.

The building at the Kalangadoo War Memorial Park and Community Sports Club includes new unisex toilets, warm-up area, parenting and baby change room, umpire change rooms and first aid space.

The Federal Government contributed $266,000 to the project as part of its Move It AUS Community Sport Infrastructure grant program with the State Government, Wattle Range Council, Kalangadoo War Memorial Park and Community Sports Club and local sporting clubs also contributing towards this and other upgrades.

Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the new facility would benefit local sports clubs and community groups and addresses a lack of female friendly facilities at the venue.

“This new development caters to the needs of all users by providing an inclusive change room space which will encourage greater levels of participation and physical activity for local residents.” Mr Pasin said.

Sports including football, netball, lawn bowls and cricket already use the facility with the club looking to implement additional programs such as Auskick, Net-Set-Go and a mid-week seniors netball competition as a result of the upgrades.

“Facilities like these are essential because they help build a safe, supportive environment where the players and volunteers from our various sporting clubs and everyone in the community can enjoy a positive experience.” Mr Pasin said.

The club also plans to add three new yoga sessions per week and increase the number of gym classes currently held at the club from one to five.

The addition of a flexible indoor space and multipurpose change facility enables sporting clubs to extend competition and training opportunities. The work also includes an equipment storage room and external verandah which provides players with an undercover warm-up space.

Mr Pasin said he was delighted to see this facility become a reality and a modern meeting place for the Kalangadoo community.

“With local groups including the Kalangadoo Red Cross, Lions Club, Country Women’s Association and Parent Playground also interested in using the shared facilities for meetings this is indeed a valuable investment in fostering community pride and connection in Kalangadoo.” Mr Pasin said.

Kalangadoo Community Club President, Andre Carlson said they were elated to receive notification from the Liberal Federal Government that they were successful in their grant application.

“Marrying this Federal grant with the Liberal State grant, Wattlerange Council grants, donations and funding raised by the clubs, our long-time dream was about to begin.” Mr Carlson said.

“After some 18 months, a labour of love and countless volunteer hours, we now have new state of the art facilities. We now have some of the best facilities not only in our league but our two neighbouring leagues as well.” Mr Carlson said.

“What all this work and new facilities has done is brought people and the clubs closer together. We are “United as one”. Success brings success.” Mr Carlson said.

“The Sporting Clubs are the heart of the Kalangadoo Community. We are all so happy with our achievements.” Mr Carlson said.

Mr Pasin said the Australian Government’s $100 million Community Sport Infrastructure grant program is a valuable investment in building community spirit and pride. This program is not just about building better sporting facilities, it is about building stronger, healthier communities by promoting physical activity, social connection, and economic vitality.

ENDS