Rabbitohs Centre of Excellence officially opened
South Sydney Rabbitohs' new $25.7 million Centre of Excellence at Heffron Park has officially opened.
The Heffron Centre facility will be home to the Rabbitohs NRL and future NRLW teams as well as pathway participants, featuring high performance training and administration facilities, plus multipurpose community facilities to support the expansion of the club’s Souths Cares community programs.
The Centre of Excellence was jointly funded by the NSW Government ($8.7 million), Federal Government ($10 million), South Sydney Rabbitohs ($4 million) and Randwick Council ($3 million). The clubs' move to the facility was announced in May 2021.
The Heffron Centre includes:
- large strength and conditioning gyms
- medical facilities and recovery spaces
- a multipurpose function room and team theatrette
- a playing field
- administration spaces
- a merchandise store and café
The NSW Government has contributed funding to eight NSW-based NRL Centres of Excellence, including the Wests Tigers, Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles and Newcastle Knights.
Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said, “This Centre of Excellence will provide a base for the Men’s and Women’s teams to deliver the next chapter in South Sydney’s proud history.
“Just as important will be its contribution to the community programs that are so important to the inclusive culture that Souths have developed.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns said, “The South Sydney Rabbitohs have rich history, winning the most premierships in the competition’s history thanks to names like Piggins, Sattler and Churchill, and are referred to as the Pride of the League.
“While the Rabbitohs are having a great season and sit atop the NRL ladder, this new state-of-the-art high-performance Centre of Excellence will ensure the club’s reputation for producing talented players in southern Sydney continues. This facility will assist the Club’s growing premiership tally in years to come.
“The NSW Government is committed to breaking down barriers in women’s sport and, importantly, the Rabbitohs Centre of Excellence will support female pathways and player development for the club’s future National Rugby League Women’s team.”
Super proud to showcase our recent collaboration with the @SSFCRABBITOHS 🐰
— Sport Design Australia (@sportdesignaus) May 30, 2023
Our mission: to deck out their brand-new centre of excellence at Heffron Park with inspiring and epic artwork that encapsulates all that it is to be a Rabbitoh. #smsports pic.twitter.com/TFMMhTbTeV
Minister For Sport Steve Kamper said, “The NSW Government’s NRL Centres of Excellence Program will deliver world-class high-performance training, administration and community facilities to foster even greater rugby league talent.
“The Rabbitohs connection with their local community is second to-none and this facility will aid will facilitate the delivery of Souths Cares programs to the benefit of all sections of the community and strengthen their bond with passionate fans of the game.
It's the first time in the Rabbitohs' 115-year history that its football, administration and community arms are all under the one roof in the South Sydney heartland in Maroubra. The club has relocated from its traditional home at Redfern Oval.
Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said, “Bringing the Rabbitohs to Maroubra has been the culmination of 10 years hard work and our community could not be happier.
“Working in partnership, we have delivered an exceptional centre for elite sport and a home for Rabbitohs charitable arm Souths Cares to continue their incredible work delivering direct social assistance and positive role modelling in our area.
“On top of this, the Centre of Excellence was a key driver behind the development of the entire Heffron Centre complex that includes a new community indoor sports centre and a dedicated dance and gymnastics space.”
The club continues to play its NRL home games at Accor Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park, while there have been calls for a move to Allianz Stadium.
