A new campaign has been launched to provide dedicated female facilities at Mackay Rugby League, reflecting the surge in women and girls taking up the sport.
Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton MP, has partnered with Rugby League Mackay and District to champion the initiative, highlighting the urgent need for modern, inclusive spaces.
Currently, female players are often required to share or adapt facilities originally designed for men, creating barriers that discourage participation and limit opportunities for young women to get involved in the game.
Mr Dalton said it was time to match the growth of the women’s game with proper investment.
“We’re seeing incredible growth in women’s rugby league here in Mackay, but the reality is the facilities just aren’t up to scratch,” Mr Dalton said.
“Female players deserve safe, modern, and inclusive facilities — and that’s what this campaign is all about. Together, we’re calling for the investment needed to make it happen.”
The Rugby League Mackay and District has thrown its support behind the push, highlighting that new facilities will not only benefit current female players but also encourage the next generation of athletes to get involved.
Emma Coburn, Board Member of the Mackay Cutters, said the upgrade was critical for the future of women’s rugby league.
“With more young girls taking up rugby league than ever before the need for dedicated facilities is clear. These new change rooms will provide a safe inclusive professional environment for female players to train and compete - laying the foundation for stronger participation and long-term success.
Supporting junior girls at the community level is crucial if we want to see more Mackay talent rise through the ranks into the Mackay Cutters and further into the NRLW.”
Simon Vigliante, Finance Chair of Rugby League Mackay & District, said the campaign is about about respect, safety, and future-proofing the game.
“With more young girls playing rugby league than ever before, the need for safe, inclusive, and dedicated female facilities in Mackay is long overdue.
“This funding will help modernise ageing infrastructure at the Mackay Rugby League Grounds, much of which hasn’t kept pace with the growth of our sport or the standards our players deserve.
“We thank both the Queensland Government and Mackay Regional Council for their continued support of community sport.”
Mr Dalton is calling on the community to back the campaign by showing their support.
“This is about working together — players, families, clubs, and the wider community. I encourage everyone to get behind this campaign so we can deliver the facilities our female athletes deserve.”
Community members can show their support by signing the petition, sharing the campaign online, and joining local events to highlight the need for investment in female facilities.
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