PM visits Wollongong to open $65m new Dragons centre
The new centre was jointly funded by the federal and state governments and the St George Illawarra Dragons
“Fifteen months ago, we backed this vision for the boys and girls of the Illawarra to be the next NRL and NRLW Dragons, and today we’re proud to help make it a reality.” – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was in town this morning to officially open the St George Illawarra Dragons Community and High Performance Centre.
The new $65 million centre includes two full-sized NRL playing fields, high performance gym and sports science facilities, medical and treatment areas, and equitable facilities for men and women.
“It will help us develop the next generation of rugby league talent, provide equitable facilities for our NRL and NRLW players, and create more opportunities for young people, particularly women and girls, to see a genuine future for themselves in sport," said the chairman of St George Illawarra Dragons, Andrew Lancaster.
The new centre was jointly funded by the federal and state governments and the St George Illawarra Dragons.
"“Our investment of $13.6 million to the St George Illawarra Dragons’ Community and High Performance Centre will provide a world-class facility for the Dragons to deliver the next chapter for the Illawarra," the Prime Minister said.
Also at this morning's press conference were Minister for Sport Anika Wells, NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper, Member for Whitlam Carol Berry MP and Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes MP.
"This world-class facility will help nurture the next generation of local sporting talent, while creating more inclusive opportunities for people of all ages, genders and abilities – fostering a lifelong love of sport and community," Ms Byrnes said.
"It will be especially important for local women and girls, giving them access to elite facilities close to home and the chance to pursue sport at the highest level."
Ms Berry said it was a facility our whole community can be proud of. “When women and girls have access to good facilities, they stay involved in sport longer, step into leadership roles, and become the coaches and role models for the next generation. This is what this centre will make possible here in the Illawarra.”
Look out for more good news for local sport in June's print edition.
