The NSW government announces $16.7 million in funding from the WestInvest Program to establish one of Western Sydney’s largest sports and health facilities. Partnering with Campbelltown City Council and Western Sydney University, the project aimed to provide the region with first-class resources in education, community development and health.
Credit: Eric Kontos. 2023.
The government recognises that the ‘Campbelltown-Macarthur Place Strategy’ is to create a vision and objectives that set out priorities for the community. This strategy aims to prioritise key goals, including creating greater career opportunities, matching residents to local employment needs, and ultimately developing a network in health and education.
Western Sydney University students have expressed that they will be utilising the Sports Centre of Excellence for their studies, gaining valuable real-life exposure through placement opportunities.
Emma Walker, a current nursing student at Western Sydney University, shared her enthusiasm, stating, “I’ve heard they are building research facilities and Western Sydney Uni students can access it. It will be an important resource for Macarthur.”
The local future health professionals believe that the facility will play a crucial role in enhancing their knowledge, enabling them to advocate for their patients and the wider community, and encourage research. Mei Chen, a current Western Sydney University student studying Health Science, stressed the importance of drawing the government’s attention to Campbelltown, given the growing population in the area.
As part of the partnership, Western Sydney University will seek to establish a range of services within the facility, including a Health and Medical Centre with general practice, medical imaging, allied health, and sports administration. The University’s vision is to promote a community hub model that encourages sport participation, education, health, and overall well-being.
The Ainsworth building, part of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, aims to use the Sport and Health Excellence facility as a resource for health science and medical students. It will offer hands-on placements and training opportunities, ultimately producing the best-allied health staff equipped to face the pressures of the healthcare system.
Mayor of Campbelltown, George Greiss says, “I’d like to thank the NSW Government…for helping to bring this project into the heart of Campbelltown, enhancing our signature sport precinct at Campbelltown Stadium”.
Western Sydney is known for its immense support and passion for sports, supporting teams such as Wests Tigers and Macarthur FC. The sports clubs have eagerly agreed to partner with the new facility to support healthy lifestyles, sports, and create exciting research opportunities.
“This is exactly what we have been waiting for and we are delighted the funding has been approved” says Justin Pascoe, CEO of West Tigers.
