New amenities building for Singleton’s future athletes
Published on 16 November 2024
Following on from the success of Aussie athletes at this year’s Olympic Games in Paris, the all-new $1.25 million amenities building for Singleton Track and Field is officially up and running.
Delivered by the NSW Government, the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program and Singleton Council, the building heralds a new era for the club in their move to new headquarters at Cook Park.
Minister for the Hunter, the Hon. Yasmin Catley and Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi MP joined the Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore and Singleton Track and Field President Hilary Kennedy along with an enthusiastic group of junior athletes to celebrate the completion of the building today.
New sports field lighting for the Cook Park site funded by $393,720 from the NSW Government’s Female Friendly Community Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Program has also been completed.
Quotes from Minister for the Hunter, the Hon. Yasmin Catley:
“Sport and recreation are at the heart of a happy and connected community, which is why the NSW Government is proud to support this project.
"This isn’t just an upgrade - it’s the beginning of a healthier, more inclusive future in Singleton, where everyone can come together to enjoy sport, recreation, and community spirit.
"We are enriching liveability across the Hunter, building a Singleton where the sports stars of tomorrow have a place to develop.”
Quotes by the Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi MP:
“This fantastic new facility is a big win for Singleton and shows what can be achieved when all levels of government, together with local community leaders, unite to support regional sport.
“These new amenities at Cook Park are more than just a building—they’re a springboard for the next generation of athletes right here in the Hunter.
“Opening a facility of this quality in the same year as Australia’s success at the Paris Olympics reminds us how essential it is to create opportunities for young athletes to train and compete close to home.
"I’m proud that the Federal Government could help make this facility a reality, one that will inspire kids across the Hunter to pursue their sporting dreams.”
Quotes by the Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper:
“The NSW Government is focused on building better communities. Our commitment to providing sporting infrastructure enables more women and girls to train and compete in sport in a safe and inclusive environment.”
“The new lighting upgrades that have been delivered at Cook Park will not only provide a safer environment but increase the utilisation of the space beyond daylight hours so more people can get out and get active.”
Quotes by the Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore:
“Council worked in partnership with Singleton Track and Field to develop the concept design for the facility following the completion of their Masterplan, which was funded through a Singleton Council Sports Grant.
“It’s fantastic that both the Australian and the NSW governments partnered with us to make this facility a reality, which continues to build on the Singleton’s growing reputation for state-of-the-art sports facilities with more than $10 million invested in upgrading, replacing and building new sports infrastructure in 2023/2024.
“The new Track and Field building follows the opening of the long jump pit completed in Cook Park in 2021, and includes inclusive and fully accessible amenities, training room, canteen, bathrooms, and equipment storage areas for the club.
“We’re very proud of the athletics facilities now on offer in Singleton, which I know will be put to good use by up-and-coming track and field stars and maybe even some future Olympians.”
Quotes by Hilary Kennedy, President Singleton Track and Field Club:
“This facility is a real gamechanger for us, but it’s also an investment in the future of sport in Singleton and turns Cook Park into the precinct it should be—one that has the infrastructure to support high performance sport.
“To have this new facility open in an Olympic year means we can accommodate growth in our club membership, which gives us longevity and the opportunity to host regionally significant events like the Hunter zone carnival, which can bring up to 2000 kids and their families to Singleton for a weekend.
“We know that schools are also excited to be able to use this facility. We host up to 10 carnivals for schools in our off season, and having this building available means the kids have access to bathrooms, changing and canteen facilities and staff have access to power for recording results.”