Albanese Government confirms $13.6m CHPC investment

The Albanese Government will invest $13.6 million towards the St George Illawarra Dragons’ Community and High Performance Centre (CHPC) – a world-class precinct and facility which would create significant legacy for sporting teams, fans and the Illawarra community into the future.

Prime Minister Albanese visited the club’s WIN Stadium premises to announce the funding on Friday afternoon.

“My Government understands the important role that community sporting facilities play in the quality of life for Australians,” Prime Minister Albanese said.

“Our investment of $13.6 million to the St George Illawarra Dragons’ Community and High Performance Centre will provide a base for the Dragons to deliver the next chapter for the Illawarra.

“The Centre will include world-class high-performance training, administration and community facilities as well as community programs to foster even greater rugby league talent.

“This project will help build a better future for the Dragons, University of Wollongong and the Illawarra community.”

This Federal investment will allow the Dragons’ existing facilities to come together under one roof at the University of Wollongong's (UOW) Innovation Campus and allows for new opportunities for the Club’s elite and junior representative programs, as well 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.

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.

Added Minister for Sport, Anika Wells: “The Albanese Government is determined to bridge gender sporting gaps and this investment in the Dragons new facility will help more women and girls have access to more sport.

“Having equitable male and female player facilities is what women in professional sport deserve.”

Dragons CEO Ryan Webb welcomed the Federal investment.

“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,” Webb said.

“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.”

Up Next / Cancel Replay Play Next A key investment for our Community and High Performance Centre.

The Dragons were represented at the announcement by Chairman Andrew Lancaster, Board Member and former Captain Ben Creagh, Dragons Head of Female Football Sam Bremner and players Blake Lawrie, Ben Murdoch-Masila and Kasey Reh.

The CHPC, which will receive funding from the State and Federal governments as well as the Dragons, is due for completion in mid-late 2026.

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