Joint media release with the Hon Tara Moriarty MLC and the Hon Stephen Kamper MP
Bega residents have a safe and reliable place for shelter, response and recovery during emergencies, with the opening of the new Bega Showground Community Centre, a modern purpose-built evacuation centre.
Bega Showground land managers received more than $15 million from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
The project has replaced ageing administration and amenity buildings from the 1950s with a flexible and accessible community space that can host meetings, concerts and indoor sport, while also serving as a critical hub during emergencies.
Upgrades to the adjacent heritage listed Kerrison Pavilion improved safety and usability with new heating and cooling systems, fire suppression, and technical infrastructure.
The project provides long-term benefits to the community by supporting both emergency response and connection.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain
"The Bega Valley has experienced the devastation of disasters first-hand, and this centre will help make sure people have somewhere safe, accessible and reliable to go when they need support most.
"We know there will be future emergencies, which is why investing in practical, purpose-built infrastructure like this is so important for communities like Bega.
"By helping replace the existing ageing infrastructure with a modern community centre, the Albanese Government is supporting Bega Valley's preparedness now, and helping build a safer, more resilient community for the future."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional Tara Moriarty
"This new centre gives the Bega Valley community a safe and reliable place to go during emergencies.
"It provides modern facilities that support people with dignity, safety and comfort when they need it most.
"The centre strengthens local emergency preparedness while also creating a great space for events, sport and community life.
"This investment replaces old infrastructure with a new building that meets current standards and supports future needs.
"Upgrades also made to the Kerrison Pavilion improve safety and functionality but have been done in a way that protects its heritage value for the community."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Lands and Property Stephen Kamper
"The Bega Showground has been at the heart of this community for more than 150 years, and this project gives it the facilities to keep serving Bega for generations to come.
"The new community centre gives Bega a modern, accessible space for local events, sport, and community activities, while providing a safe place for people to come together during an emergency.
"After the devastating Black Summer bushfires, this community knows how important it is to have facilities that are ready when they are needed most, and I'm proud to see this investment delivering a lasting asset for Bega."
Quotes attributable to Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland MP
"The Bega Showground has always been an important part of our community, and this new Community Centre is a wonderful addition to a place that means so much to local people.
"Following the Black Summer bushfires, we know how important it is to have safe, accessible facilities ready when our community needs them. This centre provides that reassurance while also giving us a fantastic space to come together, hold events, play sport and connect throughout the year.
"It's particularly pleasing to see old, ageing infrastructure replaced with a modern facility that will serve our community for decades to come, while the upgrades to the historic Kerrison Pavilion ensure an important part of the showground's history is preserved.
"This is a great example of governments working with our local community to deliver infrastructure that strengthens both our resilience and our connection to one another.
"I'm delighted to see the centre officially open and look forward to seeing it become an important part of community life in Bega for many years to come."
Quotes attributable to Bega Showgrounds Land Manager Chairman, Steve Bartlett
"The Bega Showgrounds has long served as an important gathering place for our community, in times of celebration and in times of need.
"This new Community Evacuation Centre strengthens that role by enhancing our region's emergency preparedness, while also providing modern facilities that will support the annual Bega Show and a wide range of other community events for many years to come.
"We look forward to this facility serving the people of the Bega Valley and surrounding districts as a valued asset for emergency response, agricultural activity and community life well into the future."
