Summertown Community Centre 'flush' with funds for new toilets

Posted September 03, 2019

A grant for $130,000 to build a much-needed toilet block on Tregarthen Reserve at Summertown has been welcomed by the Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie.

Photograph: Summertown Netball Club President Hanna Heptinstall, left, invited the Federal Member for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie, to a recent game to show her the community centre facilities.

The funding, announced this week thanks to the advocacy of the Federal Member for Mayo, will enable the Summertown Community Centre to replace the circa 1970s public facilities with toilets that meet modern standards.

“Right across our community we are struggling to upgrade our facilities so they meet modern standards for health and safety, disability access and gender inclusiveness," Rebekha said this week.

“Toilets are sometimes overlooked facilities but they are essential.

“These old toilets can no longer cater to the much larger number of visitors and competitors who use the tennis and netball clubs and visit Tregarthen Reserve, including during the Tour Down Under international cycling event.

“On netball competition days there can be more than 60 female players using these toilets in one time slot, not including parents, siblings, spectators or any playground users.

“In addition, there are no lockers or changing room facilities areas at the clubhouse and players are required to use the ageing toilet facilities to change at trainings and on game days.

“This grant will help the Summertown Community Centre upgrade the toilet block and put in a new septic system.”

Summertown Netball Club President Hanna Heptinstall said the funding was exciting news for the community.

"Our community is a hub of activity that provides a wonderful space for everyone to be active and enjoy the outdoors,” Mrs Heptinstall said.

“Now we’ll be able to meet the needs of the various clubs, community groups and visitors that pass through Tregarthen Reserve and we’re excited to get started on the next steps.

“This funding means our community will continue to grow and we would like to thank Rebekha Sharkie for her efforts in advocating on our behalf.”