Women in Alice Springs now have access to a dedicated, purpose-built space to exercise safely and on their own terms thanks to the Albanese Government’s Play Our Way program.

The Kilgariff Recreation Centre (the Y) received a $900,000 grant to open the region’s first women-only gym, with the Y contributing an additional $50,000 for new equipment.

The new gym will be open 24/7 and accessible via a dedicated lift, ensuring women of all ability, and at all stages of life, can train with dignity, comfort and safety at a time that works for them.

The Y expects the gym to be popular, recognising that many local women previously faced barriers to regular physical activity, including accessibility, privacy and competing priorities.

The upgrade also installed a new accessible bathroom and shower and baby changing facilities.

The Albanese Government’s $200 million Play Our Way grant program supports local initiatives and ideas to overcome barriers that women and girls face in participating in sport.

This includes providing safe, inclusive, quality and sustainable facilities, equipment and initiatives to help women and girls to stay involved in sport and physical activity for life.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Anika Wells:

“The Albanese Government’s $200 million Play Our Way program is supporting women and girls to be active for life.

“Women across Australia, including in regional and remote communities, can face real barriers to participating in sport and physical activity.

“Every woman and girl deserves a safe, welcoming space to be active – designed with their needs in mind. The new women’s gym at the Y is a fantastic example of how Play Our Way is responding to the needs of the local community.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lingiari, Marion Srymgour:

“Our government cares about women in Alice Springs and this $900,000 investment is proof of our commitment.

“The new women’s only gym at the Y will give a safe, supportive place for women and girls to exercise and keep fit.

“Regular exercise has a host of benefits, particularly for women – from protecting against cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, improving mental wellbeing and hormonal regulation – and I’m so glad our government has made this investment in the women and girls of Alice Springs.”

Quotes attributable to CEO of The Y Northern Territory, Trevor Cox:

“Through the Australian Government’s Play Our Way funding, the Y NT is proud to deliver a dedicated women-only gym space in Alice Springs – creating a welcoming, safe and empowering environment for women and girls to prioritise their health and wellbeing.

“This initiative will help break down barriers to participation in fitness, particularly for women who may feel uncomfortable in mixed-gender environments, while fostering greater confidence, connection and a sense of belonging.

“These barriers are especially significant in diverse communities like Alice Springs, where cultural considerations can play a key role in how and where women choose to engage in physical activity.

“When community organisations work with Government and the local community, we can deliver greater impact supporting stronger, healthier communities and ensuring more women have the opportunity to move, thrive and lead active lives.”