newy.com.au – Construction has begun on more than $2.5 million in upgrades to sports facilities at Tarro and Lambton as female participation continues to grow across several codes.
Tarro Reserve and Johnson Park will each receive a new amenities building featuring female-friendly change rooms, an accessible toilet, canteen, referees’ room and storage.
The projects are jointly funded by City of Newcastle and the NSW Government’s Level the Playing Field Program, with construction expected to be completed by early 2027.
Female participation in cricket at the two grounds has increased by more than 130 per cent since 2024. Tarro Reserve has also recorded a sharp rise in female football participation, growing from 11 players in 2024 to 144 this season.
Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party, councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, said the facilities were important community assets used for football, cricket and touch football.
“Female-friendly change rooms will support increased participation by women and girls, allowing them to train and compete in a safe and inclusive environment,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
“The upgrades will also provide improved accessibility, ensuring we have more appropriate facilities for people of all ages and abilities.”
At Johnson Park, the new amenities will build on recently completed improvements, including LED floodlighting suitable for modern training and match standards, as well as drainage works.
A new playground was completed in the south-west corner of the park in December. The old playground at the intersection of Bindera and Wyong roads will be demolished to make way for the amenities building, while the existing toilets in the park’s south-east corner will be removed after the new facility is finished.
NSW Sport Minister Steve Kamper said infrastructure needed to keep pace with the growth of women’s sport.
“These projects ensure more equitable and inclusive access, so all members of the community feel comfortable taking part,” Mr Kamper said.
Further work is planned at Waratah Park in July, when a new toilet block will be installed near the existing playground. The project forms part of the Waratah Park Masterplan, endorsed by the Sports Infrastructure Working Party in 2025 following community consultation.
