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New Elsie Austin changerooms officially opened for Mount Helena community

Published on Tuesday, 7 July 2026 at 8:00:00 AM

The Mount Helena community celebrated the official opening of the new Elsie Austin changerooms on Sunday 5 July, marking an important milestone for local sport and community life.

Players, volunteers, families, sporting clubs and community members gathered at Elsie Austin Oval to recognise the completion of the upgrade, which has delivered modern, accessible and inclusive facilities designed to support local sport for years to come.

The upgrade includes new changerooms and amenities designed to be inclusive, accessible and welcoming for all members of the community, along with improved facilities for players, officials, volunteers and spectators. It will support the continued growth of community sport and help ensure Elsie Austin Oval remains a welcoming and active hub for the Hills community.

The project was delivered through a partnership between the Shire of Mundaring and the Western Australian Government, with $525,000 provided by the State Government and $410,000 through the Community Sport and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF) and PlayOn WA initiative. The balance was funded by the Shire of Mundaring.

The Elsie Austin changerooms upgrade is identified in the Council Plan 2024–2034, which supports growing participation in sport and providing welcoming, well-maintained community facilities.

Shire of Mundaring President Paige McNeil said the upgrade reflected Council’s commitment to supporting local sport and creating places that bring people together.

“Council is proud to deliver modern, accessible changerooms, additional storage and a new spectator viewing area, ensuring supporters can cheer on their teams come rain or shine.”

“Elsie Austin Oval has been part of community life in Mount Helena for many years, and this upgrade will help ensure it continues to be a welcoming place where people of all ages and abilities can participate, connect and enjoy local sport.”

“By investing in inclusive community facilities, we are helping support the growth of local clubs and the next generation of players across the Hills.”

The official opening was also attended by the Honourable Klasey Hirst MLC, representing the Western Australian Government and acknowledging its contribution to the project.

“The Shire of Mundaring and particularly Mount Helena has a strong sense of commun ity, and it’s important that the infrastructure reflects and supports that.”

“This investment was shaped by community input, and the local club members, volunteers and Councillors have helped ensure it meets the need of that community.”

The upgrade was shaped through ongoing engagement with local sporting clubs and user groups and responds to growing demand for modern sporting infrastructure that supports women and girls, junior participation and inclusive sporting programs.

The opening concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a day of football activities, giving the community the opportunity to celebrate the new facilities and the future of local sport at Elsie Austin Oval.