A new $65 million world-class sports and community facility has officially opened in Wollongong, with the St George Illawarra Dragons Community and High Performance Centre expected to become a major hub for elite sport, grassroots participation and women’s development in the Illawarra.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined Sport Minister Anika Wells and local representatives at the University of Wollongong Innovation Campus on Friday to launch the new centre, which was jointly funded by the federal and New South Wales governments along with the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Prime Minister Albanese said the facility would help shape the next generation of rugby league players and strengthen the region’s sporting culture.
“This is what rugby league is all about – community, a sense of identity and belonging, learning on and off the field and always looking to improve yourself right beside your teammates”
He said the investment would support both boys and girls aspiring to become future NRL and NRLW players.
The Albanese Government contributed $13.6 million towards the project, which brings the Dragons’ elite training, administration and community programs together under one roof.
The Bruce Gordon Centre includes two full-sized NRL training fields, high-performance gym and sports science facilities, medical and treatment areas, lecture theatres, meeting rooms, community spaces and dedicated facilities for both male and female athletes.
The centre also includes a shared research and collaboration hub with the University of Wollongong aimed at strengthening links between sport, health and education.
Minister Wells said the centre was designed not only for elite athletes but also for broader community participation, particularly among women and girls.
“Women and girls deserve the same quality facilities as men, and I’m proud the Albanese Government helped make that a reality in this centre.”
The government expects the facility to help attract an additional 6,000 women and girls into sport across the Illawarra over the next decade.
Local MP Alison Byrnes described the opening as a major milestone for the region, while Carol Berry said the centre would help build future sporting champions and create more opportunities for women in leadership and coaching roles.
Dragons chairman Andrew Lancaster said the centre represented a significant moment in the club’s history.
“The Bruce Gordon Centre gives our club a home that matches our ambition — not only for our elite teams but also for our pathways, staff, partners, supporters and our community programs.”
He said the facility would deepen the club’s connection with the Illawarra and create lasting opportunities for young athletes across the region.
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