Williamstown Football Club’s historic home ground has a fresh new face, with the official unveiling of its upgraded DSV Stadium clubrooms this week. Local leaders, including Member for Gellibrand Tim Watts and Victorian Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne, joined club representatives to cut the ribbon on a project centred on inclusion and community participation.
The upgrade, backed by $500,000 from the Victorian Government, includes modernised medical rooms, revamped kitchen and training spaces, and critically, new changing rooms for women—a first for the club. It’s a timely boost for a sporting code undergoing rapid transformation, especially at grassroots level.
Watts, who represents the federal electorate of Gellibrand, called the redevelopment a win for local connection. “This isn’t just about sport. It’s about building places where people feel they belong. This facility helps make that happen,” he said.
The Williamstown Seagulls, one of the oldest and most recognisable clubs in the VFL, have been steadily building their women’s program. But until now, players have had to navigate outdated and inadequate infrastructure. The new facilities mark a shift in both investment and intent.
The project is part of a broader statewide effort to expand sporting infrastructure, especially in outer-suburban and regional areas. Dozens of clubs across Victoria have received support to improve their changerooms, lighting and training facilities, with many upgrades designed specifically with female participation in mind.
Supporters, players and families turned out for the ribbon-cutting, which also marked a symbolic milestone for the Seagulls’ future. With the new facilities now fully operational, the club expects to host more community events, off-season training sessions and junior development programs.
The Seagulls’ commitment to becoming a more inclusive hub is backed by real change—and not just on the scoreboard. The new clubrooms signal a return to grassroots values in a modern setting: fairness, access, and connection.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
