"Facilities like Weston Bears Park are the beating heart of our community. They bring people together, encourage participation in sport, and support health and wellbeing. This investment will ensure that the Weston Bears Park remains a great asset for our region for years to come."

"Quality community infrastructure plays a crucial role in shaping our lives, particularly in regional areas. This funding ensures that communities like ours have access to spaces that promote connection, provide opportunities, and celebrate what makes us unique."

"This investment in Weston Bears Park is about building for the future, creating spaces that people can be proud of, and giving our community the facilities they deserve.

Quotes Attributable to Cr Dan Watton, Mayor of Cessnock:
"It's fantastic that this well-loved sportsground is set to receive much needed upgrades.

"The grant funding will allow us to refurbish the existing grandstand and deliver new facilities including a clubroom, canteen, storage space, pressroom, new changerooms and amenities, plus a new carpark with drainage."

Quotes Attributable to Rod Henderson, President, Weston FC:
"The Weston Bears Football Club have been an integral part of the community since 1907 and in collaboration with Cessnock City Council we have been working on the master plan for the facility for over 10 years.

"Once complete Weston Bears Park will be a facility not only available for football but other community activities as well.

"It will allow the football club to introduce a full female program as well as extend our youth teams and provide a meeting place for local community groups.

"The facility will offer excellent access and amenities for people with disabilities / mobility impairments enabling attendance as spectators or participation as club officials.

"We look forward to construction getting underway and having a facility that will be one of the best in the region."