The 2023 WorkSafe Safety Initiative Award is presented by WorkSafe Victoria
Pines Football Netball Club were named joint winners of the 2023 WorkSafe Safety Initiative Award at last year’s Netball Victoria Community Awards.
Left without facilities like changerooms or toilets due to a wider upgrade, the club, based in bayside Melbourne, leapt into action and created a temporary hub for players, spectators and visiting sides.
Their efforts were greatly appreciated by those on and off the court.
“We had some amazing feedback from away teams in regards to how we managed our temporary facilities and how we were still able to maintain an inclusive feel to our club,” said Pines Netball Club Vice President Ashlee Boyle.
The new facility, in planning for almost a decade, highlights the club's perseverance and dedication to the community.
A significant team effort involving past and present committee members, local members of parliament and the broader club community, the hub project has been a true community endeavour.
“There are longer term visions to work with a lot of the local community programs and schools to not only increase access to the facility itself, but also bring sense of belonging for the entire community,” said Ashlee.
The community played a pivotal role in shaping the overall vision for the project, with the club collaborating with local stakeholders including schools to ensure accessibility and inclusivity.
The contribution of Frankston City Council also proved instrumental, from their initial collaboration during the design phase to financial support.
"They have not only been involved in the entire design process but have also helped fund the project and provided support to gain further funding," Ashlee said.
The Council's support also enabled the club to continue operating during the 2023 season with their temporary facilities.
Safety has always been a priority for Pines FNC, and their new hub addresses some critical gaps.
Previously, the netball, football and cricket clubs all shared just three toilets between them. The female players also had to walk through the male changerooms to access the shared first aid facility, which proved uncomfortable for some.
Now, the club will have permanent facilities for female players and proper shelters for the courts.
WorkSafe’s support has been crucial in delivering these safety enhancements, ensuring a secure space for players and spectators, even during the harsher Melbourne winters.
For Ashlee, being part of the Pines FNC community is a source of immense pride, with inclusivity and belonging at the core of the club.
"It feels more like a family when you join,” Ashlee said.
“It doesn't matter which sport you choose or how you want to get involved; you will always feel welcome in the Pines FNC community."
Pines Football Netball Club were named joint winners of the 2023 WorkSafe Safety Initiative Award at last year’s Netball Victoria Community Awards.
Left without facilities like changerooms or toilets due to a wider upgrade, the club, based in bayside Melbourne, leapt into action and created a temporary hub for players, spectators and visiting sides.
Their efforts were greatly appreciated by those on and off the court.
“We had some amazing feedback from away teams in regards to how we managed our temporary facilities and how we were still able to maintain an inclusive feel to our club,” said Pines Netball Club Vice President Ashlee Boyle.
The new facility, in planning for almost a decade, highlights the club's perseverance and dedication to the community.
A significant team effort involving past and present committee members, local members of parliament and the broader club community, the hub project has been a true community endeavour.
“There are longer term visions to work with a lot of the local community programs and schools to not only increase access to the facility itself, but also bring sense of belonging for the entire community,” said Ashlee.
The community played a pivotal role in shaping the overall vision for the project, with the club collaborating with local stakeholders including schools to ensure accessibility and inclusivity.
The contribution of Frankston City Council also proved instrumental, from their initial collaboration during the design phase to financial support.
"They have not only been involved in the entire design process but have also helped fund the project and provided support to gain further funding," Ashlee said.
The Council's support also enabled the club to continue operating during the 2023 season with their temporary facilities.
Safety has always been a priority for Pines FNC, and their new hub addresses some critical gaps.
Previously, the netball, football and cricket clubs all shared just three toilets between them. The female players also had to walk through the male changerooms to access the shared first aid facility, which proved uncomfortable for some.
Now, the club will have permanent facilities for female players and proper shelters for the courts.
WorkSafe’s support has been crucial in delivering these safety enhancements, ensuring a secure space for players and spectators, even during the harsher Melbourne winters.
For Ashlee, being part of the Pines FNC community is a source of immense pride, with inclusivity and belonging at the core of the club.
"It feels more like a family when you join,” Ashlee said.
“It doesn't matter which sport you choose or how you want to get involved; you will always feel welcome in the Pines FNC community."
