TAREE’S IRON ARENA OFFICALLY OPENS - 1 December, 2025
The long-anticipated Iron Arena, a new, all-purpose sporting facility, will officially open its doors in Taree tomorrow on Tuesday 2 December, marking a major milestone for the region’s sporting and economic future.
In 2020, the Hon Dr David Gillespie, then Federal Member for Lyne, and the late Mr Stephen Bromhead, the former State Member for Myall Lakes, secured an initial $8.251 million under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund to deliver the project, replacing the Taree Indoor Sports Stadium, formerly known as Saxby’s Stadium.
Further funds were sourced to bring the total federal and state government investment to $12.9 million.
Member for Lyne, Alison Penfold MP, acknowledged the work of Dr Gillespie, the late Mr Bromhead, her state colleague Tanya Thompson MP, and Taree Basketball President, Steve Atkins, in securing this exciting facility for the Manning, stating that, “The Iron Arena will be a huge asset for our region”.
“Iron Arena will be transformative for the region’s economy, attracting high-profile events at the local, regional, state, and national level. It will cater for a range of activities, meeting demand, especially in basketball and futsal, as well as other sports such as volleyball and indoor hockey, while also hosting trade shows and concerts,” Ms Penfold said.
“This new regional facility will not only deliver significant sporting and social advantages, but also broader economic benefits to the Manning Valley.”
“I’d like to congratulate all involved in delivering this incredible piece of community sporting infrastructure. There were many hardworking hands that helped secure this facility, and Iron Arena certainly wouldn’t be here without their vision, perseverance and advocacy.”
ENDS
For media inquiries, please contact:
The Office of Alison Penfold MP
Wauchope Office: (02) 6586 4462
Taree Office: (02) 6557 8910