A local AFL club is kicking goals with the recent upgrade of change rooms to cater for the growing number of girls in the sport.

Magnetic Island Junior AFL Club previously had no private change room facilities at all, but this has all changed with funding from Queensland Country Credit Union’s Good for Good Community Grants.

Community groups across Queensland were invited to apply for a share of $100,000 to fund a particular project, with successful applicants ranging from an emergency helicopter landing pad for an isolated town, to a road safety training track for young cyclists.

Club Secretary Kane Logan said the need for new change rooms was brought about by the increasing number of females playing AFL at both a community and representative level.

“As the only club on Magnetic Island to offer AFL for both boys and girls, the number of players in our club was growing,” he said.

“We felt the responsibility for ensuring a safe and private changing area for all our members and visitors, but we unfortunately didn’t have any suitable place available for this very basic human need.”

“Thanks to the grant from Queensland Country Credit Union, we can continue our mission of inclusivity, allowing every family the opportunity to benefit from their children playing sport, as they learn, build confidence, develop teamwork and form friendships.”

An element of Queensland Country Credit Union’s Good for Good Community Grants involves the concept of paying it forward, with grant recipients expected to fundraise 10% of their grant amount for Ronald McDonald House Charities. That fundraising will be boosted with an additional $20,000 donation from Queensland Country.

Terry Kingston, local Manager of the Queensland Country Magnetic Island branch said Queensland Country is proud to give back to the community in a tangible way.

“The Magnetic Island Junior AFL club plays an important role in our local community, providing opportunities for our young people to be active and be part of the community.”

“The club were one of 64 not-for-profit groups from around the state who were seeking funding of between $5,000 and $30,000 to get their important projects off the ground.” Mr Kingston said.

This is the first year that Queensland Country has run the Good for Good program, and follows a long history of supporting local initiatives.

“We have injected $2 million into community projects since 2005,” Mr Kingston said.

“It’s all part of our difference as a customer owned banking organisation. We can invest our profits into local communities while providing the best possible products and services to our Members.”