Hervey Bay Basketball has officially opened its new Bendigo Bank Stadium, delivering a landmark upgrade for basketball and community sport on the Fraser Coast.

The new facility represents a major step forward for the region, providing a dedicated, high-quality home for competitions, development programs, and growing participation across all levels of the game.

The project has come to life through a partnership between Hervey Bay Basketball and Fraser Coast Regional Council, which included seed funding assistance from the second round of the Basketball Queensland Facility Project Accelerator Fund. The fund is designed to help associations improve and expand basketball infrastructure across the state.

Hervey Bay Basketball President Jill Stephenson said the opening marks a significant turning point for the association.

“This is an exciting milestone for Hervey Bay Basketball and the Central Queensland region. After years of using multiple hired venues, we finally have a home with high-quality facilities that will greatly enhance the playing experience for our members. It also allows us to grow our programs and offer more inclusive opportunities for our community. We’re incredibly grateful to Fraser Coast Regional Council, Bendigo Bank, Hervey Bay RSL, and the many local businesses for making this possible.”

The new stadium is expected to significantly strengthen basketball pathways in the region while also supporting increased participation and community engagement through accessible, purpose-built sporting infrastructure.

Mayor George Seymour said the new stadium at the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct would provide a dedicated home for basketball while also catering to other indoor sports, school competitions, and community events.

“The new facility includes two NBA-standard indoor courts, an integrated gym, all-ability change facilities, tiered seating, club rooms, and a mezzanine level,” he said.

“It also features a modern audio-visual system, large display screens and upgraded ventilation to enhance the experience for players and spectators alike.”

Basketball Queensland GM of Government Relations & Infrastructure Hugh Raleigh, congratulated Hervey Bay Basketball and Fraser Coast Regional Council, and all stakeholders involved in delivering the project, which will serve as a long-term asset for the region’s sporting future.

“Congratulations to Hervey Bay Basketball for their dedication and hard work in bringing this new stadium to life. I’d also like to thank Mayor George Seymour and the Fraser Coast Council for their investment in basketball and community sport more broadly. This facility will become an important part of the Hervey Bay community and create outstanding experiences for their growing membership base, as well as other indoor sports in the region,” Raleigh said.