Bombers take off at new High Performance Centre

A new era for the Essendon Football Club (FC) and the Australian Paralympic Committee has began with the official opening of their new $26 million training base in Tullamarine.

Victorian Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty yesterday (18th November) joined Essendon FC Chairman Paul Little along with Essendon players and paralympians to take part in the official opening ceremony of the state-of-the-art High Performance Centre.

Minister Delahunty explained "since 1897 the Bombers have been integral to the sporting landscape and proud traditions of Victoria's home grown game of Australian Rules.

"The new centre provides a mix of elite competition and training facilities that will ensure the future of a much-loved club as well as provide a launch pad for generations of paralympians."

The new High Performance Centre features two AFL ovals, a running track, an indoor aquatic centre, a gymnasium and medical, education and administration facilities for Essendon FC and the Australian Paralympic Committee.

Minister Delahunty said several of the centre's facilities are open to local grassroots clubs and education providers and that the local community would have access to the Southern Etihad replica oval, which would allow budding young footballers to boost their skills or just improve their fitness on the oval and the perimeter running track.

He added "this access will provide a wonderful opportunity for people to be more active, more often. Bringing together sports stars and grassroots sports at the one facility is sure to inspire many locals to new heights."

Minister Delahunty commended the Essendon FC for its $14 million, the AFL for its $4.75 million, and the Commonwealth Government for its $6 million contribution. The Victorian Government provided $1.8 million towards the project.

Essendon FC Chairman Paul Little said after nearly 90 years at Windy Hill, the relocation to

Melbourne Airport is an historic moment for the Essendon Football Club as they embark on a new era.

Little added "the new High Performance Centre is a world class venue that will provide our players, coaches and staff with the best possible facilities every day they go to work.

"Only a few years ago, this development was nothing more than an ambitious pipe dream.

"Now to see the club's bold vision for the future become a reality is something all Essendon supporters can be extremely proud of."

Australian Paralympic Committee President Greg Hartung, said that the new facility, and the committee's ongoing partnership with the Essendon Football Club, would have a significant impact on improving the development pathways for Paralympic athletes, and opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sport.

"This new precinct will become a Paralympic sporting hub. As well as providing a new home for the APC's Victorian Administration, it will become a base for our camps, training, classification and talent identification."

For information on Victorian Government community sporting facility funding programs visit

http://www.sport.vic.gov.au