Venues NSW CEO says Wollongong Entertainment Precinct in 'good place' to secure funding
Support builds for WIN Entertainment Centre masterplan
Funding for Wollongong’s proposed entertainment precinct could be within reach, with Venues NSW CEO Kerrie Mather saying project backers are now in a “good place” to secure support for the full redevelopment of WIN Stadium and the surrounding precinct.
Speaking at the Property Council of Australia’s From Fields to Precincts: Building Vibrant Sports and Entertainment Destinations event at WIN Stadium on Thursday, Mather said years of planning and collaboration had positioned the project well.
“One of the distinguishing features of this one has been the absolute alignment from the get-go from the community,” Mather said.
“That has been fundamental to the success that we have today, and being able to get the funding steps that we’ve got to at this point.
“Hopefully, we’re in a good place to secure the funding for the entire plan.”
The comments came as industry leaders, government representatives and sporting executives outlined an ambitious vision for a Wollongong Entertainment Precinct that would extend well beyond rugby league and basketball.
St George Illawarra Dragons CEO Tim Watsford told the audience the conversation was not about building a better stadium alone, but about creating a destination capable of driving economic activity, tourism and community connection across the Illawarra.
“Done properly, this should not simply be a better stadium,” Watsford said.
“It should be one of Australia’s most iconic sporting and entertainment complexes.”
Watsford repeatedly stressed that the project was “bigger than football”, arguing that a modern entertainment precinct could become a landmark asset for the region while attracting investment, supporting local businesses and creating new opportunities for major events.
“It’s about creating a precinct that works for Wollongong and the Illawarra beyond game day,” he said.
“A place that brings families into the city, a place that attracts events, a place that supports local business.”
Watsford said the Illawarra possessed many of the ingredients needed for success, including a strong sporting culture, world-class coastline and growing innovation sector, but needed infrastructure that matched the region’s ambitions.
“There is a gap between this region’s calibre, the passion of its people, the beauty of its location and the infrastructure currently supporting it,” Watsford said.
“It’s not a criticism. It’s an opportunity.”
Matthew Wales, the Property Council of Australia’s Regional Director, Illawarra Shoalhaven, said it was Wollongong’s time.
“We’ve got the assets, the population growth and the lifestyle appeal, now it’s about bringing it together through smart planning and coordinated investment,” he said.
“If we get this right, these precincts won’t just host events, they’ll help shape the Illawarra’s economic and social future.”
Mather echoed that sentiment, explaining that modern stadiums could no longer survive as single-purpose facilities and instead needed to operate as year-round assets supported by hospitality, entertainment and community uses.
“I think it’s really difficult for these to survive as a single-purpose facility,” she said.
“You need to be able to work the asset really hard. Make sure that they’re being used all year round and for as much activity as possible.”
Examples from Sydney, Townsville and Christchurch were highlighted during the discussion, with speakers pointing to the economic and social benefits that flow from well-designed sports and entertainment precincts.
Mark Baker, CEO of BESIX Watpac, which delivered Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, said major sporting infrastructure could act as a catalyst for wider urban renewal.
Drawing on Townsville’s experience, Baker said the project had transformed the city and generated benefits extending far beyond game day.
“It’s changed the way Townsville operates,” he said.
“The sense of pride, the sense of belonging, the activation that gave rise not just to what was happening at the stadium, but what was happening to the precinct.”
Who received a NSW Ports Community Grant?
Eight Illawarra organisations have received funding through this year’s NSW Ports Community Grants Program, with projects ranging from classroom upgrades and domestic violence support services to food resilience programs and adaptive sports equipment set to benefit local residents.
“We are proud to support the incredible work of community organisations that make a real difference in the areas where we operate,” said NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas.
“Each year, we are inspired by the passion and dedication of local groups. These projects demonstrate valuable ways to address community needs and bring people together.”
Recipients in the Illawarra include:
Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation – Installation of three beehives, beekeeping training and equipment purchases.
Frame Running Wollongong – Purchase of two adaptive running devices for junior athletes.
Green Connect Farm – Delivery of the Food Resilience for Port Communities Program, helping residents develop skills in growing food, reducing waste and making healthy, affordable food choices.
Helping Hearts Foundation – First Aid training and certification for First Nations high school students.
Interchange Illawarra – Purchase of gardening equipment to develop a vegetable garden.
Port Kembla Public School – Refurbishment of two Stage 1 classrooms.
Wollongong Meals on Wheels – Upgraded insulated delivery containers for transporting meals to vulnerable residents.
Women Illawarra – Expansion of counselling services for victims of domestic violence.
Green Connect Farm CEO Robert Servine said they aim to use the grant to offer a hands-on initiative designed for local residents to build practical skills in growing food, reducing waste, and making healthy, affordable food choices.
“At a time when cost of living pressures are affecting so many households, these are valuable skills that can help families save money, eat healthier food and become more resilient,” he said.
Hot Ticket
If you’re a musical theatre buff, this is one performance not to miss. An Evening with Rodgers and Hammerstein arrives at IPAC on Saturday, August 1 at 2pm, celebrating the timeless songs of one of Broadway’s most beloved songwriting partnerships.
Featuring favourites from The Sound of Music, Oklahoma!, South Pacific, Carousel, the concert offers audiences the chance to relive some of musical theatre’s most iconic moments.
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