Four state-of-the-art facility upgrades have been officially unveiled in Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Valley, delivered with significant support from local councils.
Harold Knight Oval, Macquarie Field, Alroy Oval and Hunter City Motor Group Stadium will serve as the home grounds for National Premier Leagues Northern NSW clubs Kahibah FC, Lake Macquarie City FC and Weston Bears FC, as well as community club Singleton Strikers.
Councillors and Council Officers including Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz, Singleton Mayor Sue Moore, Cessnock Mayor Daniel Watton along with State Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison and Federal Member for the Hunter Dan Repacholi joined club members, volunteers and players at the various opening ceremonies as they celebrated the developments.
Harold Knight Oval was officially opened on Thursday 19 February as Kahibah FC made their debut in the NPL Men’s NNSW competition.
The $5.3 million upgrade featured two expanded and reconfigured sports fields, upgrades to lighting and a new amenities building. The fields and building were funded by $1 million from the NSW government’s Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility Fund.
While the new car park was funded by $200,000 from the Australian government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. Northern NSW Football contributed $100,000 to the facility upgrades.
Macquarie Field’s $2.7 million renovation was unveiled on Friday 20 February showcasing updated seating for 200 people, two changerooms, upgraded lighting and improved referee amenities alongside improved public restrooms, an accessible bathroom, a canteen and storage areas as well as accessible parking spaces and connecting pathways.
Lake Macquarie City Council replaced the previous degrading grandstand and associated facilities, originally constructed in 1972, to better support the club and community.
Lake Macquarie City FC also led groundworks to improve the playing surface and drainage, as well as installing new pathways and dugouts with a LMCC grant and planning support. While NNSWF contributed $21,000 to the upgrades.
Alroy Oval was officially marked as the new home of the Singleton Strikers on Saturday 21 February following a $3 million Australian government Investing in Our Communities grant, alongside support from the NSW government and Singleton Council.
The funding made Alroy Oval home to three full sized, irrigated football fields, gender-neutral amenities, upgraded lighting for safer night training, upgraded footpaths and improved parking.
Weston Bears FC’s upgraded Hunter City Motor Group Stadium, featuring a $6.4 million refurbishment of the club’s facility, was officially opened on Saturday 7 March as part of a grand opening and community celebration.
Cessnock City Council and a Federal government grant provided more than $3 million towards the upgrade including a refurbished grandstand, modern changerooms, new clubroom and a press room.
Hunter City Motor Group Stadium also received upgraded canteen and storage areas, a new car park with improved drainage and improved accessibility.
Northern NSW Football Government Relations Manager Gary Fisher said he was delighted to see the ongoing growth of infrastructure in the region.
“We’re incredibly proud to officially open four brand new facilities across the Hunter region that will provide safe and modern spaces for players, club members and spectators,” Fisher said.
“This is a huge step forward for all aspects of football and we couldn’t have achieved it without the strong support of our local government.
“These venues will bring communities together, create opportunities for local talent and inspire the next generation of players and coaches.”