The recent completion of the $52 million expansion at the Hunter Sports Centre, Kaiyu Nungkiliko, marks a significant milestone for Lake Macquarie. This upgrade has transformed the center into a world-class athletics facility and introduced the first Trampoline Centre of Excellence in Australia, positioning Lake Macquarie as a premier destination for national and international sporting events.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by representatives from various levels of government, symbolized the official opening of the site on March 8. Lake Macquarie Mayor, Adam Shultz, emphasized how this expansion enhances the city’s ability to host major sporting events while nurturing local talent and providing a substantial boost to athletics, especially trampolining, as Australia prepares for the 2032 Olympic Games.
Funding for this expansion was a collaborative effort, with contributions from Lake Macquarie City Council, the Australian Government, and the NSW Government. The upgraded facility now features a state-of-the-art three-level sports and community center, including fitness facilities, offices, and a cafe. The new Trampoline Centre of Excellence offers modern amenities like trampolines, tumbling strips, and seating for 400 spectators, catering not only to trampolining but also to other aerial sports like skateboarding and skiing.
Michelle Preston-Poole, the acting General Manager of Hunter Sports Centre, highlighted the world-class facilities now available at the center, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier sporting destination in New South Wales. Moreover, the expansion sets the stage for the University of Newcastle’s permanent presence in Lake Macquarie, with plans for the Trevor Height Athlete Testing Facility and additional sports and community facilities.
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky, expressed excitement about the opportunities this facility offers, including practical experience for Exercise and Sport Science students through an exercise physiology clinic. The community open day scheduled for March 29 promises site tours, trampolining demonstrations, live entertainment, and complimentary gelato and coffee.
The dual name, Kaiyu Nungkiliko, derived from the Awabakal language, signifies ‘power, skill, and ability’ and ‘to be successful’ or ‘to obtain,’ respectively. This naming process was a collaborative effort involving the Miromaa Aboriginal Language and Technology Centre and the Biraban Local Aboriginal Land Council.
The project received praise from various government officials, including Federal Members Pat Conroy and Dan Repacholi, Minister for Sport Steve Kamper, Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, and State Member Sonia Hornery. Their statements underscored the significance of this facility in promoting community engagement, supporting local talent, and boosting the region’s economy through sports and wellness initiatives.
In conclusion, the Hunter Sports Centre expansion represents a transformative development for Lake Macquarie, elevating its sporting profile and laying the foundation for a vibrant future in athletics and community engagement.
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