The Windale Eagles Junior Rugby League Football Club’s headquarters has risen from the ashes after fire ravaged the clubhouse in 2025.
Vandals set alight garbage bins outside the building in March, with the flames quickly spreading and gutting the structure.
The site, in South Street, also serves as an off-season base for NEWRL’s Lakes United Seagulls.
But, a $335,000 overhaul of the premises is set to provide vastly upgraded amenities to hundreds of junior and senior athletes.
Lake Macquarie City mayor Adam Shultz said the revamp had transformed what was previously just a burnt-out shell into a modern, flexible facility capable of home and away or mixed gender sports.
“We’ve installed a new roof and awnings,” he explained.
“However, the biggest upgrade has been in the changerooms.
“Previously, it was an older style block with communal showers, which wasn’t really suitable for modern sports.
“The new clubhouse has shower cubicles and a room divider that can be raised or lowered with the push of a button.
“That means the changerooms can be split for home and away teams, or to separate male and female amenities.
“It’s a fantastic innovation that will serve the Windale community for years to come.”
Eagles club spokeswoman Jaime Martin said the clubhouse would deliver a significant boost on game and event days.
“It provides a cleaner and safer environment for children to participate in sport,” she added.
“Especially with the new cubicles… it gives the opportunity for gender inclusivity by providing much needed privacy.
“The clubhouse also offers an undercover venue and central meeting space, not only for club purposes but other events like team photos, guest presentations and more.”
Ms Martin explained the organisation’s function went well beyond the realms of rugby league.
“Facilities like this provide a central venue for many potential community events, charitable gatherings and a space to showcase the long history of sport our area has,” she said.
“Promotion of sports and in particular team sports give the youth in the community and purpose and opportunity for fantastic pathways for the future.”
For more news stories:
- VIDEO… New off-leash dog park ‘paw-fect’ addition in Maitland
- Maitland celebrating 125 years of Federation
- Grants hit the right note for Newcastle’s emerging talent
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
