Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has pledged a game-changing $800,000 for Club Whitsundays if re-elected in the upcoming Federal election, due to be held in May.
This significant investment will fund dedicated women’s changing facilities, replacing the current shared spaces, a permanent shelter over the greens stand to keep spectators comfortable in any weather, and powerful field lighting to extend playing hours and enhance the club’s sporting experience.
Andrew Willcox, MP emphasised the importance of these upgrades for both Club Whitsundays and the wider sporting community, particularly in supporting the growing number of female athletes.
“We’re seeing a record number of women getting involved in sport, and we want to encourage that. They deserve their own facilities, it’s simply not right that they don’t have them,” he said.
“We also want to ensure our facilities can accommodate both home and away teams, helping to attract more visitors and strengthen our sporting community.”
Andrew Willcox also highlighted the increasing importance of getting children involved in sports and emphasised how the new spectator shelter will support this by creating a more comfortable and inviting environment for families to watch and encourage young athletes.
“I'm really keen to make sure that kids get out and enjoy themselves in the fresh air and the sunshine, which we're famous for, rather than being home on their devices.”
“Of course, it's important for them to learn how to use technology, but it’s just as important to get outside, be active, and have fun.”
By improving the facilities at Club Whitsundays, Andrew Willcox is hoping that it creates a more inviting space for families to come and watch the games.
“When kids are playing, their parents and grandparents love to be there to support them, and having proper shelter means they can do so comfortably.”
“We also need to think about sun safety, whether it’s protecting against heat or reducing the risk of melanomas, providing shaded areas is a crucial step in keeping our community safe while they enjoy local sport."
“I am really looking forward to making this happen, and encourage everyone to come down and see the facilities.
“I would like to provide public infrastructure for the whole community to enjoy.”
“You can come down, watch the sport, and enjoy the atmosphere, all for free, which is especially important during the cost-of-living crisis.
President of Club Whitsundays, Justin Butler, expressed his excitement for the impending funding.
“The club has come a long way in the precinct in the last five years, but there's always things you don't think about.
“This will help finish it off and it complements everything, including shade protection, dedicated female change rooms to support the huge growth in female sport, and obviously lighting and infrastructure.
“It's massive for us.”
Justin echoed the importance of dedicated female changing facilities, calling them a game-changer for Club Whitsundays and a key step in encouraging female athletes to spend more time at the club.
“We’ve seen massive growth in female participation, but they just don’t use the change rooms,” he said.
“They play their game and then go straight home, whereas the guys will stop, have a shower, relax at the club, and enjoy a meal together.
“The ladies don't do this because they're shared change rooms.
“Having dedicated facilities won’t just benefit our current female players, it will also attract many more to the club.”
With the Whitsundays set to host the Olympic and Paralympic sailing events, Andrew Willcox and Justin Butler, hope Club Whitsundays can evolve into a premier destination for elite athletes.
“A lot of people don’t realise that, even though the Olympics will feature sailing, sailors need large open areas to lay out their sails, check their equipment, and prepare,” Justin explained.
“We’re in the perfect location for that, just a kilometre or two from the sailing club.
“And with the Olympic buildup, overseas teams will be looking to acclimatise. It’s not just sailors, it could be a rugby sevens team, a football team, or any sporting team wanting to train in Queensland’s conditions for a month or two before the Games.”
With this potential funding, Club Whitsundays could become a world-class training ground, not just for local athletes, but for future champions and Olympians.
President of Club Whitsundays, Justin Butler and Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox shake hands after funding announcement. Photo credit: Ruth Puddefoot.
The Club Whitsundays sporting community excited about the announcement. Photo credit: Ruth Puddefoot.
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