New Playground Brings Joy to Hamilton South Community Centre

Residents of Hamilton South are celebrating the unveiling of a new playground at the Hamilton South Community Centre on Fowler Street, marking the fulfilment of a long-held community aspiration.

State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp MP, officially announced the completion of the playground upgrade, a key promise from his recent election campaign. The project was made possible by a $70,000 grant awarded earlier this year to CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning.

Funded through the NSW Government’s Local Small Commitments Allocation program, the grant enabled the replacement of outdated equipment with modern, safer play spaces for local children.

“Accessible and secure playgrounds are vital for community wellbeing,” Mr Crakanthorp said. “It’s fantastic to see this new area open, providing a place where families can gather and children can play safely.”

Over the past four months, CatholicCare collaborated with playground specialists Moduplay and engaged with local residents to ensure the new facilities met the community’s needs. The playground successfully passed all safety compliance assessments last week.

Gary Christensen, Executive Director of CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning, expressed his enthusiasm for the project’s completion. “We hope this playground becomes a haven where children and their families feel joyful and connected,” he said. “It’s more than just equipment—it’s about fostering community spirit. We’re immensely proud of our team and grateful to Tim Crakanthorp and the NSW Government for their support.”

The NSW Government has dedicated $37.2 million to the Local Small Commitments Allocation program, aiming to bolster local initiatives that enhance community life across the state.