Perth Voice Interactive

“INUNDATED!” After raising concerns about the WACA’s lack of blokey urinals in the name of ‘inclusivity’, former councillor Paul Collins says he’s heard from a surge of cricket fans opposed to the controversial redevelopment.

Mr Collins is now planning to raise the issue as an agenda item at next week’s WACA board meeting. He’s a member-elected director of the WACA board, but emphasised that he was speaking in his personal capacity, and said, “I have been inundated with praise and support from men and women since your story was published last week” (“Slash on the off side,” Voice, August 26, 2023).

The story was quickly snaffled up by the state daily paper and then spread to national media, and a flood of letters have called for a redesign to include urinals. There was also discomfort with a plan to have a shared sink area in the members’ facilities, wedged between male and female cubicles on either side.

Mr Collins said the concerns came from varied demographics.

“On the women side, it is Gen Z who have been most vocal against gender-shared wash basins and mirrors in licensed premises. Perhaps it is the fact they are an age group where they are regularly attending licensed premises,” Mr Collins said.

“I’ve requested an agenda item on the matter for next week’s board meeting.

“I will be working to ensure there are sufficient urinals for the venue’s capacity and remove gender shared wash basins and mirrors for the public and members.”

The WACA board has had a few internal stoushes over the past couple of years, with a divide between appointed directors and member-elected directors leading to a slew of resignations in 2022.

Mr Collins said in this instance, “one of the benefits of an organisation like the WACA in having member-elected directors is that the members have an avenue to express their needs and wants.

“In my case, as a member for nearly 40 years, I have the history and connection with the membership and general patrons that is a big help on the current issue, for example.”

Construction’s due to start in September so the push for a redesign is on a timer.

Mr Collins said: “If you’ve ever done a bathroom renovation then the cost of retrofitting would be enormous.

“It is a work in progress but I am hopeful of a good outcome.”

A WA Cricket spokesperson told us via email: “The WACA Board and Project Team carefully consider all aspects of the WACA Ground Improvement Project, including the design of the bathrooms.

“The WACA Board meets next Tuesday, September 5, and this matter will be discussed then.”

by DAVID BELL