Illawarra Sporting, Community Hub secures $13.6 million boost

The Australian Government will invest $13.6 million towards the St George Illawarra Dragons Community and High Performance Centre (CHPC) - creating 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 federal 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.

St George Illawarra Dragons Chief Executive Ryan Webb shared "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."

The St George Illawarra Dragons' CHPC project is due to be completed in 2026.

Image: Concept for the Dragons’ Community and High Performance Centre. Credit: NSW Government.