DAN REPACHOLI MP
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR HUNTER
CR DAN WATTON
MAYOR CESSNOCK CITY COUNCIL
MR ROD HENDERSON
WESTON BEARS FC PRESIDENT
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
24 January 2025
WESTON BEARS SCORE $3 MILLION UPGRADE
The Albanese Government is delivering for regional New South Wales, with $3 million allocated to upgrade Weston Bears Park as part of an $80 million investment in community infrastructure projects across the state.
Cessnock Council were successful in their application for funding for the Weston Bears Park, which will transform the much-loved local facility, improving amenities and creating a space that benefits both the local community and the broader region. These upgrades will enhance the experience for players, spectators, and visitors alike, reinforcing Weston Bears Park as a vibrant hub for sports and social connection.
The project will see refurbished grandstand to improve spectator comfort and safety, a new clubroom, changerooms, and amenities, designed to accommodate all participants, including women’s and junior programs, canteen and storage space upgrades to better serve the needs of the community and the football club, improved accessibility features, including amenities for people with disabilities and mobility impairments, and a new car park with advanced drainage to address long-standing issues with parking and ground maintenance.
Quotes Attributable to Dan Repacholi MP, Federal Member for Hunter:
“This $3 million upgrade for Weston Bears Park demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to supporting local communities and ensuring they have the infrastructure they need to thrive.
“Facilities like Weston Bears Park are the beating heart of our community. They bring people together, encourage participation in sport, and support health and wellbeing. This investment will ensure that the Weston Bears Park remains a great asset for our region for years to come.”
“Quality community infrastructure plays a crucial role in shaping our lives, particularly in regional areas. This funding ensures that communities like ours have access to spaces that promote connection, provide opportunities, and celebrate what makes us unique.”
“This investment in Weston Bears Park is about building for the future, creating spaces that people can be proud of, and giving our community the facilities they deserve.
Quotes Attributable to Cr Dan Watton, Mayor of Cessnock:
“It’s fantastic that this well-loved sportsground is set to receive much needed upgrades.
“The grant funding will allow us to refurbish the existing grandstand and deliver new facilities including a clubroom, canteen, storage space, pressroom, new changerooms and amenities, plus a new carpark with drainage.”
Quotes Attributable to Rod Henderson, President, Weston FC:
“The Weston Bears Football Club have been an integral part of the community since 1907 and in collaboration with Cessnock City Council we have been working on the master plan for the facility for over 10 years.
“Once complete Weston Bears Park will be a facility not only available for football but other community activities as well.
“It will allow the football club to introduce a full female program as well as extend our youth teams and provide a meeting place for local community groups.
“The facility will offer excellent access and amenities for people with disabilities / mobility impairments enabling attendance as spectators or participation as club officials.
“We look forward to construction getting underway and having a facility that will be one of the best in the region.”
