The South West Rocks High Performance Centre grand opening
Published on 24 February 2023
Kempsey Shire Council is proud to announce the opening of the Mid North Coast High Performance Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that will benefit local and regional sports enthusiasts.
The South West Rocks facility was officially opened on Thursday by the Member for Oxley, the hon. Melinda Pavey MP, Kempsey Shire Mayor Leo Hauville and representatives from the South West Rocks Country Club and the local sporting community as well as the Council staff and contractors who delivered this unique facility.
Proceedings commenced with an incredible smoking ceremony, welcome to country, story telling and dance by the Fig Tree Mob.
Construction of the facility began in April 2021 and the impressive new landmark is now ready to benefit local sports clubs and enthusiasts alike, providing an impressive array of amenities to elevate training and performance to new heights.
Speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony, Kempsey Shire Mayor, Leo Hauville, thanked all those who have contributed to the project.
"I am honoured to be here today at this official opening of this magnificent and truly modern building which will be an icon as our Shire's most valuable community sporting facility for many years to come,” said Cr Hauville.
“Our local member, the Honourable Melinda Pavey, backed the funding of this High Performance Centre from the outset with a commitment of almost half the amount needed in December 2018. On behalf of the Shire community, I thank her for ongoing support.
“We are confident that the Mid North Coast High Performance Centre will make a positive impact on our community, attract more sporting events to the area, and create opportunities for our young local athletes."
Funding for the project was received in December 2018 under the NSW Office of Sport Regional Sport Infrastructure Fund, with additional funding from Council, the SWR Country Club, and in-kind support from Peter Hadlow through his design services.
Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey described the development of the Mid North Coast High Performance Centre as evidence of the NSW Government’s commitment to sport in regional New South Wales.
"The completion of the Mid North Coast High Performance Centre is a great achievement for not only Kempsey Shire Council in delivering this project but also testament to the power of community led vision and advocacy,” said Ms Pavey.
“The NSW Government is committed to supporting sport in the regions, and this project is a great example of what can be achieved when we work together."
The new centre includes a fully accessible grandstand with 660 seats, four fully accessible change facilities, two canteens, and a high-performance level and flooring for athlete testing.
It also features public toilets, a first aid room, scoring and timing area, bar facilities, umpires change facilities, administration space, PA systems, state-of-the-art security and access controls, and a lift.
Additionally, the facility includes spaces for future allied health services to operate and provide support to the community.
Kempsey Shire Council General Manager, Craig Milburn, said this new centre was just more evidence of the dedication of Kempsey Shire Council staff and the community to this unique project.
"The vision of the South West Rocks Sport and Recreation Committee and their hard work in getting state and national sporting bodies to support the funding applications is a great demonstration of community led partnership," said Mr Milburn.
“This will be an incredible facility for our community to enjoy. It has been a long journey, but the result is worth it. The Mid North Coast High Performance Centre is an outstanding asset for our region, and we can't wait to see the benefits it will bring to our local sporting clubs."
The Mid North Coast High Performance Centre will be used by local sporting clubs in South West Rocks, the wider Macleay Valley, and for regional sporting competitions. The total project cost is in excess of $5 million, which includes all civil works, ramps, access, landscaping, water and sewer connections, pre-site works, and project management costs.