Building stronger regional communities through sport and recreation

Photo of a building and deck area with railings, overlooking a river with clear blue skies.

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Building stronger regional communities through sport and recreation

Written 25 March 2026

Case study
Resilience and risk reduction
Infrastructure

Across Australia, sport and recreation spaces are at the heart of regional community life. These facilities do far more than host games. They serve as hubs where volunteers come together, families connect on the sidelines and groups meet to build community. During a crisis, these communal spaces can also become gathering points offering safety and support when it’s needed most.

Acknowledging the importance of these spaces, we have supported a range of projects that strengthen local sport and recreation infrastructure. In doing so, our aim is to contribute to long-term community resilience.

The Australian and New South Wales Governments have jointly funded initiatives through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery (BLER) Fund as part of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Following are some of the positive outcomes taking shape across communities.

Oberon Multi-Purpose Sports and Community Complex

The BLER fund has contributed $6,878,304 to the new Oberon Multi-Purpose Sports and Community Complex. The new facility includes 2 new rugby league fields, 2 full-sized netball courts and preparation for a future hockey field. At its centre is a 2-storey clubhouse featuring a bar, commercial kitchen, change rooms and seating for around 280 spectators. A new ‘Legend’s Hall’ now celebrates the town’s sporting history, reinforcing the strong connection between sport and community identity.

Photo of large grass rectangular field with flood lights in each corner and a building on the edge with tiered seating in front of it.

Oberon Multi-Purpose Sports and Community Complex at night.

Iron Arena Expansion project

The Taree Basketball Association received $12,979,285 from the BLER fund for the transformation of the former Saxby Stadium into the expanded Iron Arena. The project has delivered 2 new multi-purpose courts. This creates greater capacity for participation and competition across indoor sports. Upgraded seating has established a show court capable of hosting major sporting and entertainment events. Beyond competition, the Iron Arena provides a safe and inclusive space that promotes physical activity, social connection and community wellbeing.

Grafton Rowing Club

Further north, the Grafton Rowing Club received $3,762,010 from the BLER fund. This was in addition to a contribution from the club. The restoration of the 143-year-old Boatshed has enhanced functionality and resilience, including improved long-term protection against flooding. The upgraded facility now features a covered public viewing deck, cafe and function room, complemented by a new waterfront footpath and Memorial Park. Together, these improvements create a welcoming riverside precinct that supports both sporting activity and broader community use.

Photo of the rowing club built into a grassy hillside by the river.

The new Grafton Rowing Club on Clarence River.

An investment in the future of regional communities

When disasters impact a community, shared spaces are often disrupted or damaged. Rebuilding these spaces helps restore normality, encourages physical and mental wellbeing, and strengthens the resilience and unity that define regional life.

In support of this work, Minister for Emergency Management the Hon Kristy McBain said, ‘Investments like this ensure that recovery is not just about replacing what was lost but also giving communities the chance to grow, thrive and look to the future with confidence.’

By investing in resilient, future-focused infrastructure, we will continue to help communities recover in ways that are practical, inclusive and enduring—and ensure local sport and recreation continue to bring people together for years to come.