Hunter Sports Complex Firms as Leading Contender for 2026 NSW Koori Knockout
A major Hunter sports complex has emerged as the strong front-runner to host the prestigious NSW Koori Knockout this year, though a neighbouring council remains hopeful of securing the celebrated Indigenous rugby league carnival.
Port Stephens Council Pursues Revised Proposal
Port Stephens Council will convene an extraordinary meeting next week to consider a revised proposal aimed at luring the multi-day tournament to King Park Sports Complex at Raymond Terrace. This follows a council vote in December to actively pursue the event, which typically attracts thousands of participants and spectators over the October long weekend.
"The event will bring a great benefit to Port Stephens. It potentially brings more than $10 million into the region's economy," said Port Stephens councillor Nathan Errington. "If we can take a slice of that, even just $3 million, it will be a huge benefit for Port Stephens. It will be significant for local business and tourism operators. It will also be putting the best of Port Stephens on show. I urge all councillors to support this."
Newcastle Yowies Hold Hosting Rights
The Newcastle Yowies secured the hosting rights for the 2026 tournament after their victory in last year's knockout held in Tamworth. The Yowies have been in discussions with multiple councils, including Newcastle City Council, regarding potential venues.
The tournament's requirements are substantial, necessitating multiple fields at a single location, additional space to accommodate large crowds, and a host town with ample accommodation options. Newcastle council explored creating temporary fields at several sites, including Tarro, Waratah, Newcastle West, Hamilton North, and New Lambton, ultimately proposing New Lambton as a potential event site. However, negotiations with the Yowies did not progress further.
Central Coast Council Remains in Contention
While King Park and Port Stephens Council appear to be the leading candidates, Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna confirmed on Thursday that his council remains hopeful of hosting the event. Central Coast Council unanimously voted last week for its chief executive to negotiate a "cost-sharing model" with the Yowies.
The proposed venue is the Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex at Tuggerah, which previously hosted the knockout in 2019 and 2023. Council meeting papers indicated those events delivered an estimated $7 million and $10.5 million in economic benefits, respectively. The council's proposal includes $213,600 worth of in-kind support, with externally provided event management costs of $208,000 to be funded through gate takings.
Economic Benefits and Council Support
Port Stephens Council staff have recommended entering into a "sponsorship agreement" with the Yowies. This would involve offering $110,000 in in-kind support and a $90,000 contribution for event infrastructure. Council papers suggest the event could generate approximately $10.6 million in economic benefits and attract around 40,000 visitors to the region.
"If we're able to secure the knockout, it would be a huge benefit to Port Stephens. Both in the extra customers for local business, and putting the town's name out there state and country-wide, given it is broadcast on television," said councillor Giacomo Arnott, who represents the council's west ward, which includes Raymond Terrace. "There are some questions I'd still like to ask council staff, but if we can get away with getting such a special event for only $90,000 direct financial contribution, I think it would be worth it for ratepayers. I'm leaning towards supporting it."
Historical Context and Broader Interest
It has been over a decade since the knockout was last held in the Hunter region, with the previous event taking place at Raymond Terrace. The Yowies have previously taken the tournament to Dubbo in 2018. Council meeting papers also noted that Tamworth and Dubbo councils had expressed interest, though this could not be independently confirmed on Thursday.
The decision on the final host location is eagerly anticipated, with significant economic, cultural, and promotional stakes for the successful council and its community.
