Media Release: Newcastle Basketball, General Manager Neil Goffet
Newcastle Basketball welcomes Gladys Berejiklian’s commitment to build a $25m stadium at Hillsborough.
Basketball in this region is currently played at a 50-year-old facility that is in rapid decline and we would love to see this project funded in the upcoming June budget.
“We have worked very hard to get to this point and we will continue to liaise with government to get the best outcome for our members,” General Manager Neil Goffet said.
“Our current facility is falling down around us, so to have a commitment like this is amazing and we really hope that the $25 million can be included in the June budget and we can get this project started as soon as possible. It is an exciting time for Newcastle Basketball and the new stadium would enable the association to continue its push for a team in the Women’s National Basketball League.”
“We have maintained dialogue with Basketball Australia regarding the WNBL and this certainly helps a lot,” Mr Goffet said.
“Obviously they wouldn’t let us play out of the decrepit facility at Broadmeadow so this announcement will elevate those conversations.”
Newcastle Basketball was named 2017 Association of the Year by governing body Basketball NSW, Newcastle provides one of the largest Sporting Schools programs in Australia and have almost doubled participation numbers over the past three years.
The current Newcastle Basketball Stadium is the 4th home of the association and was opened in May, 1969 when Newcastle, captained by Olympic legend Terry Charlton, defeated Sydney Paratels.
“The association has outgrown the current facility so we need a new stadium for basketball to continue to prosper in this region,” Charlton said.
Founded in 1946, Newcastle is one of the most successful associations in Australia having won 20 men’s state titles, five ladies state championships and a host of youth and junior state crowns.
Click HERE to be directed to Newcastle Basketball Association website.