National Rugby League elites have 'stormed' Seabrook Reserve to celebrate the completion of the Seabrook Reserve Redevelopment in Broadmeadows on Saturday 18 May.
Hume City Council's official opening of the $22 million dollar State Rugby League and Community Centre is a major milestone for the sport in Victoria, with Broadmeadows destined to be the home of Melbourne Storm's male and female pathway programs, as well as the new headquarters for NRL Victoria.
Interest in rugby league in Victoria, and particularly among young girls and women, has been rapidly growing in Hume. With the opening of this world-class facility right here in the heart of Broadmeadows, Council is excited about the new opportunities that the venue affords our sporting community.
A special feature of the new development is that the centre will be used as a community hub - with community rooms, meeting rooms, kitchen and amenities available for hire to hold small or large events, catering for up to 80 people.
The reserve also includes a new training and administration base for NRL Victoria and Touch Football Victoria and will remain the home for local club Northern Thunder.
Melbourne Storm superstars took to the Reserve's new rugby pitch for their captains run on the weekend, to test out the ground and run NRL and Touch Football clinics for kids, all part of a fun family day organised by Council.
The event was a showcase for the possibilities that come with locals being able to access world-class facilities in their backyard; to not only connect with their community but witness sporting heroes in action close to home.
The Community Centre completes a staged unveiling of the Seabrook Reserve Redevelopment that saw the opening of a new community play space in 2023, with outdoor exercise equipment and picnic furniture.
The $22 million project is jointly funded by Council and supported by a $14.3 million contribution from State Government, NRL Victoria and Melbourne Storm, bringing one of the state's premier Rugby League and Touch Football facilities to the heart of Hume.
Hume City Council is delivering on projects that will continue making Hume a great place to live, play and visit thanks to a record $558 million four-year capital works program.
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hume City, Cr Naim Kurt:
"The completion of the Seabrook Reserve community centre and pavilion further cements Hume City Council as the home of elite sports in Victoria."
"Alongside elite football, cricket, AFL and tennis facilities under construction, this development will set a new standard for women's sport and Rugby League development in Hume."
"Not only is this a win for women's sport, it's also a win for the community with the new centre offering accessible space for the Broadmeadows community to host meetings, functions and forums as well as being a new home for the Northern Thunder Rugby League side."
