Plans to transform Seabrook Reserve into a major local rugby league hub are underway, as the first sod is turned for the new State Rugby League and Community Centre.
Mayor of Hume City, Councillor Joseph Haweil and Minister for Community Sport, The Hon. Ros Spence joined Member for Broadmeadows Frank McGuire, NRL, Melbourne Storm and local club Northern Thunder this afternoon to officially mark the commencement of the $16.9 million project.
Cr Haweil said the facility will deliver a range of development programs to support the growth of rugby league and touch football in Melbourne's North, as home for local club Northern Thunder and base for NRL Victoria and Touch Football Victoria.
"Hume City Council is proud to embark on this project with our partners to provide our community with a state-of-the-art sporting facility," Cr Haweil said.
"The accessible facility will open up opportunities for the growing numbers of local rugby and touch football players to enjoy their sport and lead a healthy and active lifestyle."
"Our young talent will now have a facility to enjoy the sport they love and grow their skills locally before some have the opportunity to continue playing at the highest levels in their sport in the country."
"This development will not only see Hume host even more sport, but it will boost the local economy and provide local jobs now and into the future."
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said this is a record investment in Victorian rugby league.
"It's fantastic that work has started – the benefits for elite women, developing young stars and local grassroots players will be substantial," Ms Spence said.
Melbourne Storm Chief Executive Justin Rodski said the facilities would be a "game changer" for rugby league in the state.
"It's a game changer for the thousands of talented young girls and boys who aspire to play our great game across Victoria," Mr Rodski said.
"It will also be a great venue for Storm to train and run community programs in Hume, giving more young people the chance to see their idols in person."
