The Weston Bears Football Club will soon boast one of the best sporting facilities in the region, thanks to a $3 million windfall.
Cessnock City Council was successful in its funding application to the Australian Government for the organisation’s ground, which is set to undergo upgrades to the amenities that benefits both the local community and broader area.
The project includes grandstand refurbishments to improve spectator comfort and safety, a new clubroom and changerooms designed to accommodate all participants, including women’s and junior programs, canteen and storage space, improved accessibility features, and a new car park with advanced drainage to address several long-standing issues.
“We’ve been an integral part of the community since 1907 and, in collaboration with Cessnock City Council, we have been working on the masterplan for the facility for more than 10 years,” president Rod Henderson said.
“Once complete, Weston Bears Park will be a facility not only available for football but other community activities as well.
“It will allow the club to introduce a full female program as well as extend our youth teams and provide a meeting place for local groups.
“So, we’re looking forward to construction getting underway.”
Hunter MP Dan Repacholi said the venture demonstrated the government’s commitment to supporting local communities and ensuring they had the infrastructure they needed to thrive.
“Facilities like Weston Bears Park are the beating heart of our community,” he explained.
“They bring people together, encourage participation in sport, and support health and wellbeing.
“This investment will ensure Weston Bears Park remains a great asset for our region for years to come.
“Quality community infrastructure plays a crucial role in shaping our lives, particularly in regional areas.
“The investment in Weston Bears Park is about building for the future, creating spaces that people can be proud of, and giving our community the facilities they deserve.”
Cessnock City mayor Dan Watton agreed.
“It’s fantastic this well-loved sportsground is set to receive much-needed upgrades,” he said.
“The funding will allow us to refurbish the existing grandstand and deliver new facilities including a clubroom, canteen, storage space, pressroom, new changerooms and amenities, plus a new carpark with drainage.”
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