Members of the newly formed Dubbo Regional Indoor Sports Hub Working Party have met for the first time, to determine future actions towards the development of one of the region’s most anticipated community infrastructure projects.
The wide- ranging group was formed following a Notice of Motion from Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Josh Black at the July Ordinary Council meeting calling for the formation of a Dubbo Regional Indoor Sports Hub and PCYC Working Party.
“This large and diverse group of stakeholders from right across western NSW has been established to continue the fight and lobbying for government funding to see the construction of this vital community infrastructure,” Clr Black said.
“The Indoor Sports Hub and PCYC is a vital part of the social fabric of Dubbo and the wider western region. While the building would be the indoor multisport facility for the whole region, it would also include a larger PCYC where more diversionary programs for at-risk youth could be run.
"Sydney-based politicians don't understand the vast distances that rural kids have to travel if they want to participate in sport, and they certainly have no comprehension that kids miss out on participating because the travel is too much.
“The Dubbo Indoor Sports Hub would give our kids the opportunity many are currently missing out on."
“Everyone in western NSW knows that almost a year ago this funding was removed by the NSW Government, but this new working party to lobby for the return of the funds shows that, as a community, we aren’t giving up on seeing the Indoor Sports Hub and PCYC built,” Clr Black said.
Members of the working party include representatives of PCYC NSW, Netball NSW, Basketball NSW, other state sporting bodies, Dubbo Sports Council, Alliance of Western Councils covering 13 councils, Regional Development Australia, local businesses, Dubbo Chamber of Commerce, Dubbo Aboriginal Lands Council, and members of a number of sporting associations and community groups.
The purpose of the working party is to bring together key people and organisations who can advocate to government for funding reinstatement, engage with government, community and sporting bodies, and ensure continued communication and community engagement.
“The Indoor Sports Hub will be transformative infrastructure.”
“It’s about meeting the region’s growing needs for inclusive sport, youth engagement and social wellbeing. We’re committed to making it happen,” Clr Black said.
Do you travel for sport? Are you interested in the project? You can follow our YourSay Page for more information at: https://yoursay.dubbo.nsw.gov.au/sports-hub