The newly upgraded Bill Jacob Athletics Centre at Jubilee Park was officially unveiled today (14 March 2025), marking a major milestone for Riverina athletics.

The multi-million-dollar redevelopment has transformed the centre – named in honour of the late Bill Jacob as a lasting tribute to his dedication to local athletics – into a premier hub for inclusive athletic training and competition: one capable of hosting events at regional, state, and national levels.

Independent Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr MP officially opened the site on behalf of NSW Minister for Sport, The Hon Stephen Kamper MP.

Dr McGirr was joined by other guests including Councillor Lindsay Tanner, representing Wagga Wagga City Council, Bob Hay, representing the local athletics community, and members of Bill Jacob’s immediate family, including his wife Robin and daughters Sarah Young and Ruth Murray.

Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Mary Atkinson delivered the Welcome to Country, while proud Wiradyuri man Luke Wighton performed a Smoking Ceremony.

Dr. McGirr was full of praise for the newly upgraded site, which now features a 400m all-weather synthetic track, enhanced field event areas, improved warm-up spaces, and better wheelchair accessibility.

“This incredible new facility will promote inclusion, support a wide range of sports, and draw athletes and visitors to our region,” Dr McGirr said.

“Wagga Wagga is known as ‘the city of good sports’ for good reason, and this major redevelopment will be a great catalyst for sporting and community growth in our city.”

Councillor Lindsay Tanner highlighted the excitement of having a venue of this standard available to young athletes.

“The efforts that have gone into upgrading this centre are a testament to the commitment of our city to fostering sporting excellence and ensuring that local athletes and young competitors have the facilities they deserve,” Cr Tanner said.

The venue has already hosted its first events, welcoming junior and adult athletes training and competing at club level. Representing local athletics clubs at the opening, Bob Hay noted that it’s a community looking forward to the many ways athletics in the Riverina will benefit from the site at a grassroots level.

“Hopefully the new track and facilities will open up opportunities for our local kids to train and compete on an even level as the kids from the metropolitan areas,” Mr Hay said.

Manager City Growth & Regional Assets Ben Creighton also highlighted how the new enhancements will firmly establish Wagga Wagga as a dynamic destination for first-class athletics training and competition.

“This is a premier venue that will contribute greatly towards the city’s future as a competitive location for attracting high-profile sporting tourism opportunities to the region.”

Looking ahead, Council has also begun taking bookings for 2025 school carnivals and athletics events.

For more information or to request a booking, please visit the Bill Jacob Athletics Centre page on the Wagga Wagga City Council website.