Erina Ice Arena is to get a major upgrade thanks to a $592,395 grant through the NSW Government’s Regional Sport Facility Fund.
Business Manager, Christine Leghorn, said management had spent quite a bit of time during lockdown preparing its submission for the grants program.
“We’re very excited to be successful,” she said.
“We will be using the funding to improve and update our facilities.
“This will include some bathroom upgrades, updating the ice hockey netting and some work in the foyer to improve accessibility.
“We’ll also be updating the lighting and the balustrades in the grandstand for safety reasons.”
Leghorn said she hoped the upgrades would enable the venue to host more home events for the region’s ice sports.
“We’re also hoping to grow ice hockey, especially for women and girls,” she said.
“Our bathroom and change room updates will allow more inclusivity for the girls.”
The arena is among 41 regional NSW organisations to share in more than $24M for new and upgraded sports facilities in Round 2 of the Fund.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the awarding of funding was a welcome boost for regional sport which was hit hard by the COVID-19 restrictions.
“This funding boost will enable Erina Ice Arena to provide a premier inclusive venue for both International Ice Sport Tournaments and local community ice-skating activities, right in the heart of the Central Coast,” he said.
“The awarding of these grants provides renewed optimism that 2022 will be a better year for sport and recreation right across the regions.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole, said the Fund had provided more than $49M over two years to increase participation and promote healthy lifestyles.
“COVID restrictions caused major challenges and these grants will be a welcome boost as the sporting sector recovers from the impacts of the pandemic,” he said.
“2022 is shaping up as a great year for sport in regional NSW and this support will help people of all ages and abilities get active and enjoy the benefits.
“An important focus of the fund is encouraging the participation of girls and women and people with disability.”
Terry Collins
How much money has the state government poured into Terrigal and Gosford electorates compared to the Northern and Central suburbs. Is it 10 times or 50 times more. Your state government working for some but not others. What’s new.