Premier opens South Hedland's state-of-the-art centre

South Hedland's stunning new multi-purpose recreation centre was officially opened today by Premier Colin Barnett and Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls as part of activities for this week's Regional Cabinet visit.

  • $11.1m Royalties for Regions funding for multi-purpose recreation centre
  • Landmark development forms part of WA Government's Pilbara Cities vision

South Hedland's stunning new multi-purpose recreation centre was officially opened today by Premier Colin Barnett and Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls as part of activities for this week's Regional Cabinet visit. 


The Premier also unveiled the centre's new name - the Wanangkura Stadium. Meaning 'whirlwind' in the local Kariyarra language, the name was chosen from submissions by the community to the Town of Port Hedland.


The $34.1million project was funded with $11.1million from the State Government's Royalties for Regions Pilbara Cities initiative, along with significant contributions from BHP Billiton Iron Ore, ESS Services and Auzcorp. Fortescue Metals Group also supported the project.


Mr Barnett said the facility was the first of its kind in Hedland and set the bar for future community facilities throughout the Pilbara.


"This is a spectacular piece of architecture that will become a landmark for Hedland and the architects and builders should be commended for their work," the Premier said.


"I congratulate the Town of Port Hedland for working with the State Government to continue to improve amenity and lifestyle options for all local residents."


Mr Grylls said Wanangkura Stadium was an example of the how the Government's Royalties for Regions program was delivering enhanced services to regional Western Australia.


"This project represents what Pilbara Cities is all about - creating community infrastructure, services and amenity to support a growing population and encourage more people to live, work and play locally," he said.


The two-storey, 4,500sqm facility contains an international-standard indoor stadium, 24-hour gym, two squash courts, a creche, outdoor netball courts, club change rooms and a function centre for 200 people.


Mr Barnett and Mr Grylls also attended a sold-out National Basketball League exhibition match between the Perth Wildcats and Cairns Taipans, staged in a demonstration of the centre's capacity to host national-standard sporting events.


      Fact File

  • Royalties for Regions administered by Dept of Regional Development and Lands

Premier's office - 6552 5000