DAN REPACHOLI MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR HUNTER

MEDIA RELEASE

16 April 2025

NEW INFRASTRUCTURE FOR LAKE MACQUARIE SPORTING CLUBS

Labor Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi today announced that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will invest $2.67 million to upgrade sporting facilities across Northern and Western Lake Macquarie, providing a major boost to local clubs and the wider community.

This election commitment, to be delivered to Lake Macquarie City Council, will support vital upgrades at sports grounds from Barnsley to Dora Creek, helping meet the growing needs of local sporting clubs and families in the Hunter electorate.

This announcement includes:

• Lighting upgrades at Water Board Oval to enable evening training and games for the Toronto Tigers Baseball.
• Lighting improvements at Lyall Peacock Oval, allowing night-time matches for the first time in years for the Macquarie Scorpions Rugby League Club and the Toronto Awaba Stags Football Club.
• Sports field drainage at Bernie Goodwin Oval, improving field use after rain for the Morisset Strikers Football Club.
• Upgrades to three fields at Taylor Park, enhancing training conditions and enabling more night fixtures for the Barnsley United Football Club.
• Critical drainage and re-levelling at Douglass Street Fields to improve playing conditions for the Dora Creek Swampies RLFC.
• Installation of lights on four courts, paving the way for night play and tournaments for the Rathmines Tennis Club.

Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi MP:

“Sport is more than just a game, it’s the glue that holds communities like ours together.

“That’s why Federal Labor is investing in these facilities, not just to build better ovals or courts, but to build stronger communities.

“I’ve spent time with these clubs. I’ve seen how hard the volunteers work, how dedicated the players are, and how passionate the families are.

“But what I’ve also seen is the need. Many of these facilities have been stretched to the limit as our population grows. Lighting that doesn’t meet standards, drainage that means cancelled games after the slightest rain, it’s just not good enough anymore. This funding will fix that.

“These upgrades will mean young kids don’t have to stop playing when the sun goes down, parents don’t have to juggle impossible schedules, and clubs can grow their programs, attract new members, and even host night competitions.

“This is about making sure that no matter where you live in Lake Macquarie, you have access to the kinds of facilities that support healthy, active lives.

“We’re backing in the volunteers, the coaches, the committees, who are the people who keep local sport alive. And we’re backing in the next generation of athletes who deserve the chance to play in quality facilities close to home.”

Quotes attributable to Macquarie Scorpions RLFC:

“We haven’t had proper lighting at Lyall Peacock Oval for years.

“This funding means we can finally host night matches again. It will bring new energy to our club and allow us to grow.”

Quotes attributable to Toronto Tigers Baseball Club:

“This is a massive win for our club and the whole community.

“New lighting at Water Board Oval means we can run evening training sessions safely and even schedule night games, which opens up so many opportunities for our players and families.”

Quotes attributable to Morisset Strikers Football Club:

“Our grounds are often unusable after rain, and this drainage work is going to completely change that.

“We’ll be able to keep kids on the field, keep games running, and avoid the disruptions we’ve dealt with for years.”

Quotes attributable to Barnsley United Football Club:

“With so many new families moving into the area, our club is growing fast. These upgrades will let us expand our programs, hold night matches, and provide better facilities for everyone.

“It’s a really exciting time for us.”

Quotes attributable to Dora Creek Swampies:

“Improved drainage and levelling at Douglass Street Fields will help us get more kids on the field more often.

“Right now, the wet weather knocks out too many training days. This work will mean more football, more fun, and more development.”