Governments commit $32 million to Hakoah redevelopment

Federal and New South Wales governments have announced a combined $32 million in new funding for the redevelopment of the Hakoah Club at White City in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, with a strong focus on infrastructure and security following the Bondi terror attack.

The Albanese Government will contribute $21 million, while the NSW Government has pledged $11 million, adding to an earlier $15 million state contribution towards the estimated $150 million project. The federal government had previously granted $7.5 million.

The funding will support upgraded infrastructure and enhanced security measures at the Hakoah site in Paddington, with the NSW Government citing heightened security risks in the wake of the Bondi attack.

Construction of the new facility has been underway since 2022 and is expected to be completed in 2027.

The redevelopment will deliver a large-scale sporting, cultural and community hub featuring a football field, multi-purpose courts, swimming pool, gymnasium and fitness centre, along with hospitality venues, office space for communal organisations and facilities for schools and charities.

Premier Chris Minns said the project reflected the commitment of the Jewish community and the government’s support for it.

“The NSW Government is proud to support the Hakoah Club’s project, which has been driven by the investment and commitment of the Jewish community through difficult circumstances, with a vision to build a vibrant community centre open to all,” he said.

Minister for Multiculturalism and Sport Steve Kamper said the additional funding would help ensure the facility is both accessible and secure.

“The Hakoah Club’s new facility will be a central sporting and cultural hub for the Jewish and wider eastern suburbs community to connect,” he said.

“This $11 million funding will ensure that the Jewish community has a safe place to participate in health and wellbeing activities and celebrate important cultural events.”

Assistant Minister Matt Thistlethwaite said the redevelopment would strengthen both community life and multicultural participation.

“Our investment in the Hakoah Club will be transformative for the Jewish community across Sydney, especially for our local sporting clubs who will find their new home with the state-of-the-art facilities,” he said.

“The Hakoah Club will be a proud feature of our multicultural community hosting Jewish cultural, arts and sports events for everyone to participate in.”

Hakoah Club president Steven Lowy said the funding was critical to delivering a secure and sustainable facility.

“This support from the NSW Government is a crucial step in helping us deliver a safe and welcoming community hub,” he said.

“The new Hakoah facility will be a place where people can come together through sport, culture and community life.

“We’re grateful for the government’s investment in both the infrastructure and the security that will help ensure our community can gather with confidence while keeping the doors open to the wider public.”

In a message to members, Lowy said the combined funding would reduce debt pressures, strengthen the club’s long-term financial position and maximise the benefits the project will deliver to the wider community.

Contractual issues have been resolved, and the development is well on its way to completion next year.

Founded in 1938 by Jewish refugees from Europe, the Hakoah Club has long been a cornerstone of Jewish life in Sydney. The new facility is intended to serve as a shared space for sport, culture and community activity, open to both the Jewish community and the broader public.