VIDEO TOUR: Lake Macquarie Celebrates Opening of Expanded Hunter Sports Centre

8 March 2025

Lake Macquarie’s newly upgraded Hunter Sports Centre was officially opened on Saturday, 8 March, by representatives from local, state, and federal governments. The event marked the completion of a significant expansion, preparing the city to host national and international athletics and trampolining events.

Mayor Adam Shultz said the improvements mean Lake Macquarie is now ready to welcome high-level sporting competitions. “We’re now set up to attract national and international athletics and trampolining events, which is a huge win for our region,” he said. “The Centre will also support training and career opportunities in aerial sports, skateboarding, and skiing.”

The new facilities include advanced trampolining amenities, such as two trampolining strips, a foam pit, warm-up zones, and grandstand seating for 400 spectators. The expansion was funded collaboratively by Lake Macquarie City Council, the Australian Government, and the NSW Government through several grant programs.

Hunter Sports Centre’s Acting General Manager Michelle Preston-Poole highlighted the centre’s role in providing world-class facilities and career pathways in aerial sports, highlighting the importance of sport for community health and economic growth.

Mayor Adam Shultz spoke about the economic and community benefits, stating the upgraded centre is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, boosting the local economy significantly.

The University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky, welcomed the development, highlighting the opportunities it creates for sports-focused education and community engagement. The new facilities will complement the university’s athlete testing centre and provide a valuable practical training ground for students.

To celebrate the new Centre, a community open day is scheduled for 29 March, featuring tours, live entertainment, trampolining demonstrations, and complimentary gelato and coffee.

Federal Member for Shortland, Pat Conroy, noted the Albanese Labor Government’s contribution of $10 million towards the project, while Minister for Sport Steve Kamper and Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley both highlighted the positive impact of such a facility on the region’s sports participation and economy.

The community is invited to explore the new facilities on 29 March during a special open day with guided tours and activities.

More details about the community open day can be found on the Hunter Sports Centre’s website.