The hub will be pumping this Friday 25 February from 4 to 7pm with a skate and scooter competition, live music, street art workshops, a free BBQ and more.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer encouraged residents to join in the celebrations and experience the new facilities for themselves.

“The community has been waiting patiently for these upgrades and I know they’re going to be thrilled with the results,” Mayor Palmer said.

“The new recreation hub makes the most of this beautiful part of the world, with pathways for walking and bike riding, a new playground for little ones, an additional tennis court, new seating, better amenities and plenty of open space for families and visitors to enjoy.

“The community told us they wanted to keep the skate park at the Mallabula Sports Complex, so it has been relocated and reimagined to create a family-friendly place that caters for all levels of ability.

“There’s also a new multi-sport court for basketball, netball, futsal, soccer and handball for year-round fun.

“Thank you to everyone who contributed to this incredible project throughout the planning and consultation phase – Mallabula Sports Complex is a true asset and a recreation destination that will benefit the community for years to come.”

The Mallabula Sports Complex upgrade has been made possible thanks to the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund and NSW Clubgrants and Council’s PS2020 projects fund.

Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson said she was delighted federal funding was able to support the project.

“I am so impressed with this new facility,” Ms Swanson said.

“It’s really important that we have these spaces in our community that can be enjoyed by so many people in so many ways. I know our community will make the most of the Mallabula Sports Complex.”

NSW Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said $165,000 had been provided from the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund to support upgrades to the Mallabula Park and Sportsground over the past two years.

A further $115,000 was awarded under the Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants program following a successful application by council under the sporting infrastructure category. 

“Crown reserves like Mallabula Park are crucial community assets, so it’s great to assist with funding for picnic shelters and tables, the skate park, playground and multi-sport court, accessibility upgrades and to stop noxious weeds,” Mr Martin said.

Council’s Acting Community and Recreation Coordinator Clinton Bridge said the opening marks an important milestone for the project.

“Mallabula Sports Complex is a legacy project and something the community can be immensely proud of,” Mr Bridge said.

“Facilities like these is all about improving the mental and physical health of our community through better infrastructure.

“The upgrade of the soccer and athletics building is the final piece of the puzzle and construction is expected to begin in April.”

The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund supports Crown land managers by providing funding for repairs, maintenance and improvements on Crown reserves.

To keep up to date with the Mallabula Sports Complex upgrade visit https://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/services/projects/2021-2022/mallabula-sports-complex

Event details:
It’s on! Summer Skate and Sounds
4 to 7pm Friday 25 February
Mallabula Sports Complex
Celebrate the completion of the new recreation hub at the Mallabula Sports Complex. Enjoy a skate and scooter competition, music, street art, workshops, prizes and a free BBQ.

For more information, visit https://pscouncil.info/3sRKutB