The revitalization of the Baddeley Park hockey field has brought much joy to the passionate hockey players in Cessnock, and even the city’s mayor, Jay Suvaal, is not exempt from this excitement.
The Evans Street facility has recently reopened after a series of upgrade works, and the changes have been met with great enthusiasm. These improvements involved the replacement of the old playing surface and the thorough remediation of the field base. Furthermore, a new rubber shock pad and a hybrid synthetic grass surface have been installed, providing the Cessnock District Hockey Association with much greater flexibility.
Cr Suvaal was keen to highlight the council’s unswerving commitment to the delivery of top-notch recreational spaces for local residents. “This revitalisation ensures our community can continue to enjoy active, healthy lifestyles for years to come,” he expressed. “The upgrades to this beloved sporting facility underscore Cessnock City Council’s ongoing commitment to providing safe, high-quality recreation spaces that enrich the lives of our residents.”
The project, which cost £752,895, was made possible through joint funding by the Australian and NSW governments as part of the Community Assets Program under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Hunter MP Dan Repacholi stressed the significance of completing this initiative in the context of Cessnock’s recovery from the 2022 floods. “Local sport plays a vital role in promoting social recovery and benefitting community wellbeing when recovering from a disaster,” he commented. “The Albanese government is pleased to support this project, which has helped Cessnock City Council to repair Baddeley Park Hockey Field, and also make sure it’s better able to withstand future severe weather events.”
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, also underscored the importance of strong community assets in helping towns recover from natural disasters. “Baddeley Park Hockey Field now has a surface that is more resilient, accessible and can be played wet or dry and even during times of drought,” she emphasized. “Participation in hockey at Cessnock has suffered due to the damage caused by the 2022 floods. However, with this upgrade complete, it will be restored as a prominent sport offering for the community.”
Through the Community Assets Program, the Australian and NSW governments have demonstrated their commitment to supporting recovery projects that bring people together, enhance preparedness for future disasters, and stimulate economic recovery.
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