A significant development has taken place in Lake Macquarie with the completion of the $52 million expansion of the Hunter Sports Centre, now known as Kaiyu Nungkiliko. This expansion introduces a cutting-edge athletics center and the first Trampoline Centre of Excellence in Australia to the Hunter Region. The unveiling ceremony, attended by representatives from various government levels, marked the official opening of the site on March 8. Mayor Adam Shultz highlighted that this enhancement positions Lake Macquarie as a hub for hosting both national and international athletics and trampolining events.
The funding for this expansion was a collaborative effort between Lake Macquarie City Council, the Australian Government through programs such as Building Better Regions, Local Regional Infrastructure, and Changing Places, and the NSW Government through initiatives like the Centre of Excellence Fund and the Regional Sport Facility fund. The upgraded facility spans 4500m2 and houses community spaces, a health and fitness center, offices, and a cafe. Notably, the new Trampoline Centre of Excellence features state-of-the-art facilities to support training in trampolining and other aerial sports like skateboarding and skiing.
The Hunter Sports Centre’s expansion also sets the stage for the University of Newcastle’s inaugural presence in Lake Macquarie, including the Trevor Height Athlete Testing Facility and a new sports and community center. University Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky expressed enthusiasm for the opportunities this facility will offer to students, the local community, and athletes across the region. The center will serve as a practical training ground for the university’s Exercise and Sport Science students, who will operate an exercise physiology clinic for the community.
The community open day scheduled for March 29 will provide tours of the expanded center, trampolining demonstrations, live entertainment, and complimentary gelato and coffee. The dual name of the facility, Kaiyu Nungkiliko, was chosen in Awabakal language, translating to ‘power, skill, and ability’ and ‘to be successful’ or ‘to obtain’. The project received praise from various government officials, acknowledging the positive impact this development will have on the local economy and community well-being. The completion of the Hunter Sports Centre expansion signifies a significant milestone for Lake Macquarie, ushering in a new era of sporting excellence and community engagement.
Leave a Reply