The Coast’s new Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex (The Complex) is hosting training sessions for two major sporting teams that have made the Central Coast their ‘home away from home’ during COVID-19 restrictions - the New Zealand Warriors and Melbourne Rebels.

Based in Tuggerah, the purpose-built venue has proven itself a fantastic sports and recreation venue since opening in 2019, having already hosted significant mass participation events such as the 2019 Koori Knockout, which attracted over 40,000 attendees to the region.

This announcement of the Melbourne Rebels using The Complex at Tuggerah as their official training venue follows the earlier announcement of NZ Warriors basing themselves on the Central Coast with their primary training residence at Central Coast Stadium, and alternating training at The Complex when required.

Mayor Lisa Matthews said that having two high-profile sporting teams using The Complex as a training venue, provides an exciting opportunity to showcase this fantastic facility and deliver a boost to our local economy.

“We have been thrilled to welcome these two elite sporting teams to the region. The Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex is a perfect venue to accommodate this level of training requirements,” said Mayor Matthews.

“Being able to deliver a venue that can support the training needs of these two teams is a sign that we are living up to our reputation as a region that excels in delivering high quality sporting facilities."

Warriors Football Operations Manager, Daniel Floyd said the team is excited to be training on the Central Coast on quality sports grounds.

“We, along with Melbourne Rebels appreciate the community welcoming our teams and their patience as we use their local facilities,” Mr Floyd said.

With the teams set to train at The Complex until September, Council would like to inform community members that the venue will be closed to the public during training days, and to check the Council website for scheduled closures.

Residents who regularly use The Complex for activities such as fitness training, dog walking and bike riding are encouraged to take this opportunity to explore and visit a number of exciting venues nearby.

Nearby sports and recreation venues for the community to explore include:

• For dog walkers: Tuggerah Dog Park (Second Avenue, Tuggerah)
• For fitness training: Chittaway Oval (Chittaway Road, Chittaway Bay)
• For kids with bikes, skateboards or scooters: Baker Park (Warner Avenue, Wyong), San Remo BMX Track (Highview Avenue, San Remo), Bato Yard Skate Park (The Entrance Road, Bateau Bay)
• For playspaces: Tuggerah (Tonkiss St Reserve), Chittway Point (Sunshine Reserve), Mardi (Woodbury Estate Park, Woolmers Cresent Reserve, Mathew Circuit Reserve, Bushwood Circuit)

Council would like to thank community members for their patience and understanding. To keep an eye on scheduled closures at The Complex, community members can visit www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/recreation/venues-and-facilities/stadiums/central-coast-regional-sporting-and-recreation-complex.