The newly-upgraded Bill Jacob Athletics Centre at Wagga Wagga’s Jubilee Park has been officially unveiled, marking a major milestone for athletics in the Riverina.
The multi-million-dollar redevelopment has transformed the centre 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 officially opened the site on behalf of the NSW Minister for Sport.
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.
Upgrades to the Athletics Centre include a new all-weather 400m synthetic track, improved drainage and irrigation, new long jump runways, warm-up areas, and shot-put circles, as well as refreshed steeplechase, javelin, discus, and high jump facilities.
Many of these improvements have also prioritised upgrades to accessibility, particularly for wheelchair athletes using the space.
Overall, these enhancements will firmly establish Wagga Wagga as a dynamic hub for first-class athletics training and competition, with a site that offers more inclusive, high-quality facilities for athletes of all ages, abilities, and disciplines.
Named in honour of the late Bill Jacob, the centre stands as a lasting tribute to his dedication to athletics in Wagga Wagga.
A driving force behind the establishment of the Kooringal Athletics Club in 1978 – later the Kooringal-Wagga Athletics Club – Mr Jacob spent four decades coaching, mentoring, and developing the next generation of Riverina athletes and coaches.
His tireless volunteer efforts helped create the original Jubilee Park athletics facility, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire, Council said in a statement.
The upgraded Centre has already hosted its first events, welcoming junior and adult athletes training and competing at club level. Looking ahead, Council has also begun taking bookings for 2025 school carnivals and athletics events.
For more information, visit the Bill Jacob Athletics Centre webpage.
