The Centre of Excellence Fund is a key sporting initiative of the Budget, aimed at improving talent pathways and community engagement for sporting codes.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Fund would give the construction industry a boost and foster community participation in sporting codes at a grassroots level as well as supporting the professional development of local athletes.
“The Centre of Excellence Fund will provide communities across the State with the ability to fund and build modern sporting facilities supporting thousands of additional construction jobs and helping to recharge our economy as we bounce back from the pandemic,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The two-year Centre of Excellence Fund is a key initiative of our State-wide sports infrastructure plan which is creating a sports facility construction boom across NSW.”
NSW Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the fund would help sporting codes develop community centres that will include integrated high-performance training and administration facilities to assist talent identification and development opportunities.
“While improving talent development pathways is a key component, each Centre of Excellence will include multi-purpose facilities, enabling sports to expand community programs and bridge the gap between elite sport and the general community,” Mrs Ward said.
“The NSW Government is absolutely committed to breaking down barriers in women’s sport and all Centres of Excellence will feature dedicated female programs and facilities to improve pathways for women and girls.
Funding will be made available through a competitive grants process, which will require a co-contribution and applicants will need to demonstrate improved community participation outcomes.