Dream, Develop, Belong and Excel at the hunters top destination for sports excellence
We exist to create an environment where athletes of all levels can accomplish their dreams.
Our mission
It’s our mission to create a fun and inclusive facility that is professional, flexible and dynamic venue that enables people to be their personal best.
Excellence
We strive to do our best to enable you to be your personal best.
Innovation
Innovative facilities, programs, and equipment to improving athletic performance and wellness.
Inspiration
We foster and environment where participants can dream, believe, develop, and achieve their personal best.
Mentorship
A supportive foundation is key to ensuring patrons can work towards their ambitions and be inspired. Our venue and services provide a foundation that supports participants in achieving their sport and wellness goals.
Community
A sense of belonging for the entire community is integral to all of our offerings.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be the Hunter’s premier sporting destination for training, fitness, wellness and community.
Fitness
The Centre will soon have a 24/7 gym and serious fitness credentials to support athletes and the community on their sports and wellness journeys.
Training
Hunter Sports Centre provides a campus-style venue where participants of all ages and abilities can complete sport-specific and complementary training to support their sport and wellness goals.
Wellness
The Centre takes a holistic approach to health and offers a range of wellness activities and classes.
Community
The Centre has a diverse range of programs, services, and facilities enabling community members to participate in health, wellness, and social activities in a clean, safe and supported environment.
Dual Naming Conventions
The Awabakal name for the HUNTER SPORTS CENTRE is Kaiyu Nungkiliko
Kaiyu meaning: Power, skill and ability − to be able, powerful, mighty.
Nungkiliko meaning: to be successful or to obtain.
The Awabakal name and wording was provided by Miromaa Aboriginal Language and Technology Centre in consultation with Biraban Local Aboriginal Land Council. Definitions sourced from ‘An Australian Grammar 1834, By L.E Threlkeld’.
OUR HISTORY
Opening on 13th February 1999, the Hunter Sports Centre, is one of the Region’s premier sporting venues.
The 10 million dollar complex initially comprised of the Ken Booth Gymnastics Centre, as well as the Hunter Region Athletics Facility. Funding for this project primarily came from Lake Macquarie City Council with the NSW State Government contributing approximately 20% towards the funds.
Further development of the site continued during 2000 in the lead up to the Sydney Olympic games. A small weights centre was established on our mezzanine level and a grassed warm-up facility has been developed on the eastern end of the complex. It is expected that these areas will be used extensively for a range of different sports and group activities to assist in generating funds to ensure the growth and development of the Centre.
The ‘Ken Booth Gymnastics Centre’ has hosted numerous State and National events. It was also selected by the Gold Medal winning Chinese Olympic Team for the venue of their pre-Games training in September 2000. The venue is used both by regional clubs as a training venue as well as by the Centre itself. Over 400 local residents participate in the wide range of gymnastics activities conducted at the Centre including Kindergym, Recreational programs, Trampoline, Gentle Gym and programs for people with a disability.
The track facility is used quite extensively by local schools throughout the year. In addition to the high demand by school groups local athletes and Clubs utilise the facility for regular training sessions.
The quality of the surface and facilities at the Centre have received wide acclaim, and have hosted such events as the 2001 Telstra Grand Prix, 2001 Athletics NSW Country Championships and an international friendly involving 10 nations in a lead up to the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Hunter Sports Centre is owned by Lake Macquarie City Council and operated by a Not-For-Profit Board. Board members include local council representatives, representative of regional and state athletics and gymnastics bodies, as well as a number of community representatives.
Hunter Sports Centre is primarily a community facility, which is reflected in a fee schedule which enables optimal community access. The Centre welcomes all ages and abilities and strives to do its best to enable participants to be their personal best – no matter what that looks like for each individual.
Work on the Hunter Sports Centre Kaiyu Nungkiliko expansion began in May 2023. The project will see Lake Macquarie City Council deliver a state-of-the-art sport and wellness facility for the Hunter and Central Coast region.
This international standard venue will nurture international standard athletes from regional NSW and Australia.
The project is being delivered in three parts:
- Stage 1: Athlete testing building
- Stage 2: Expanded sport and community centre
- Stage 3: NSW Trampoline Centre of Excellence
2023 also saw the opening of a new practice throws and warm-up track that included Smartrack technology. This addition qualifies the Hunter Sports Centre as a World Athletics Class One venue.
The expansion is jointly funded by the Australian Government, the NSW Government and Lake Macquarie City Council.