Vision
To create a vibrant and inclusive precinct that encourages community activities and provides sporting opportunities from grassroots to elite level in the Illawarra.
Purpose
To provide premier sporting and community facilities at an affordable price.
History and Timeline
The journey to establish the Illawarra Sports & Community Precinct (ISCP) was a multi-decade effort, driven by community need and persistent advocacy.
In 1982, the need for indoor netball facilities in the Illawarra region was presented to the NSW Department of Sport & Recreation by Val Curran, President of the Illawarra District Netball Association (IDNA).
Peter Brettell, President of the Illawarra Basketball Association, joined the call for additional courts, highlighting the growing demand for indoor sports venues.
A dedicated Community Committee was formed to pursue the development of a four-court indoor sports center for Netball and Basketball at Fred Finch Park, Berkeley. Key members included Bob Elvy, Val Curran, Peter Bolt, Ian Richardson, and Vicki King. This committee was instrumental in planning, design documentation, and securing community support. K.F. Williams & Associates Pty Ltd provided crucial engineering and design drawings.
After extensive preparation of grant applications by the committee and the IDNA, a submission to the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation & Racing was successful, alongside securing Federal and local government funding.
Construction of the stadium began in early 1990 and was completed in 1992. This massive undertaking received significant support from BHP, which provided apprentices, site supervisors, and a large quantity of steel and materials. Cleary Brothers also contributed a site supervisor and substantial concrete.
Illawarra Sports Stadium Limited was officially incorporated.
Following its official opening, the stadium became a vital hub, with the IDNA using courts six days a week and the Illawarra Basketball Association (IBA) five days a week, including weekend training.
A dedicated board room was established, marking a new phase of formalized operations, as prior to this, the stadium was largely managed "off the kitchen table."
The contribution agreement with IDNA and IBA continued. In 2012, the IBA withdrew from operations at the ISCP.
The ISCP significantly expanded its services, catering to a diverse range of up to 40 different sport and recreation groups. This included hosting trade fairs, Lifeline events, dance groups, table tennis, roller skating, school sports, and various state and Australian championships.
The ISCP presented concept plans for a two-court extension, which were unfortunately denied by the Wollongong City Council (WCC) due to flood zone concerns.
Working collaboratively with the WCC, a preferred site for expansion was identified: the current location of the Val Curran Centre, extending to the netball courts to its south.
A development application (DA) and associated drawings were submitted to the WCC by the Facility Design Group.
The DA was officially approved by the WCC and the Southern Regional Planning Committee, nearly seven years after the ISCP first approached the WCC for support on the extension.
ISCP Grants Committee successfully applied for a NSW Government Infrastructure Grant through the Club Grants 3 program. This grant enabled the replacement of Basketball Rings and Supports on two of the indoor courts in the Stadium.
Board Members
Graeme Haney
Chairperson
Finance, Grants & Partnerships
Alex Spillett
Company Secretary
Finance, Grants & Partnerships
Peter Rostirolla
Treasurer
Finance Committee
Diane Elvy
Finance, Risk & HR
Carlson Hizon
Grants & Partnerships, Risk & HR
Andy King
Grants & Partnerships
Graham Lancaster
Risk & HR
Our Precinct
If you’re looking for a versatile venue, the Illawarra Sports & Community Precinct is more than just a sports stadium.
From major championships and school sports to trade fairs and dance classes, our facilities can host a wide range of events. Discover the perfect space for your event.
Learn more about the diverse event types we host and find the ideal setting for your next gathering.
The Venue for Everything and Everyone
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