The Albanese Government will invest $13.6 million towards the St George Illawarra Dragons Community and High Performance Centre (CHPC) - a world-class precinct and facility which would create significant legacy for sporting teams, fans and the Illawarra community into the future.
This Federal investment will allow the Dragons' existing facilities to come together under one roof at the University of Wollongong's Innovation Campus and allows for new opportunities for the Club's elite and junior representative programs, as well a community partnership programs.
Critically, the new CHPC will enable increased female participation in sport, with an additional 6,000 women expected to play in the region over the next decade.
Community and High Performance Centres across the country have formed the pathways for so many athletes to go on to major national and international success.
The collaboration between the University of Wollongong and the St George Illawarra Dragons for the CHPC aims to deepen engagement with the wider Illawarra community through partnerships, programs, collaboration and learning.
The Albanese Government's investment, alongside funding from the NSW Government and the St George Illawarra Dragons Club will deliver:
- Two full-sized NRL playing fields.
- Equitable male and female player facilities.
- Medical and treatment facilities.
- High-performance gym and sport science areas.
- Lecture theatre and meeting rooms.
- Community classroom and program spaces including an internal 'grandstand'.
- Office space for football, community and administration staff, as well as for community partners.
- Communal function rooms.
- University of Wollongong research collaboration space.
- Allied Health area.
The St George Illawarra Dragons' CHPC project is due to be completed in 2026.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
"My Government understands the important role that community sporting facilities play in the quality of life for Australians.
"Our investment of $13.6 million to the St George Illawarra Dragons' Community and High Performance Centre will provide a base for the Dragons to deliver the next chapter for the Illawarra.
"The Centre will include world-class high-performance training, administration and community facilities as well as community programs to foster even greater rugby league talent.
"This project will help build a better future for the Dragons, University of Wollongong and the Illawarra community."
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Sport, Anika Wells:
"The Albanese Government is determined to bridge gender sporting gaps and this investment in the Dragons new facility will help more women and girls have access to more sport.
"Having equitable male and female player facilities is what women in professional sport deserve."
Quotes attributable to the Member for Whitlam, Stephen Jones:
"Sport is a major part of family life across the region, and the St George Illawarra Dragons are an integral part of the Illawarra community.
The Albanese Government is backing our region by investing in a world-class facility and community programs that families across the Illawarra will enjoy.
Kids across the Illawarra will now have access to the best facilities that will grow their love for the game of rugby league, while building resilient and healthy communities.
The Illawarra has a top-notch university and this investment will grow the Illawarra and our regions even further."
Quotes attributable to the Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes:
"The St George Illawarra Dragons' Community and High-Performance Centre will be a game-changer for the Illawarra, providing pathways for inclusive sporting opportunities, and upgrades to our much-needed community and sporting infrastructure.
"This state-of-the-art facility supported by the Albanese Labor Government will foster greater participation in sport - particularly for women and girls - while also supporting First Nations communities, Pasifika groups, and people of all abilities.
"With a strong focus on health, education, and community engagement, the CHPC will connect people through sport, learning, and resilience-building programs in partnership with the University of Wollongong."
Quotes attributable to St George Illawarra Dragons CEO, Ryan Webb:
"On behalf of the Dragons, I'd like to sincerely thank Prime Minster Albanese and the Federal Government for believing in our vision and helping this project to become a reality.
"This Community and High Performance Centre will bring all our staff, coaches and male and female players together under one roof in a state-of-the-art facility that will take our preparation to the next level.
"The CHPC will also provide a significant boost to the local community via access to the NRL fields and community and education program spaces."
