Wednesday, 29 November 2023
The enduring connection between two iconic local brands – Newcastle Permanent and the Newcastle Knights – has been celebrated with the official unveiling of the Newcastle Permanent Centre of Excellence at District Park.
The partnership, announced in September, sees us take on naming rights to the Knights’ home base for at least the next three seasons, with signage now adorning the western, southern and eastern facades of the elite community facility.
Newcastle Permanent Chief Executive Officer Bernadette Inglis and Wests Group Australia and Knights Chief Executive Officer Philip Gardner today officially cut the ribbon on the Centre, which will be known going forward as the Newcastle Permanent Centre.
“Newcastle Permanent has had a proud association with the Knights for decades – and there’s a simple reason for that,” Bernadette said.
“It’s a perfect fit. Our organisations are synonymous with not only the city, but the whole of the Hunter. We are both part of the fabric that makes this region such a special and unique place.
“Our sponsorship of the Newcastle Permanent Centre shows our ongoing commitment to the Club, the region, and the people who so passionately and fervently support the red and blue.”
Opened in 2022, the Newcastle Permanent Centre is the home base for the Knights’ elite and pathways teams across both men’s and women’s programs.
Jointly funded by the NSW Government and the Knights, the Centre provides equitable access for male and female players including high-performance fields and gymnasium, change and recovery facilities, theatrette, meeting and office space across the site.
It’s been home to the Knights NRL and NRLW teams for each of the past two years, seasons in which the Knights have claimed two titles in the women’s game.
The NRL side commenced its preparations for season 2024 at the Newcastle Permanent Centre this month, as did the Knights NSW Cup (Open men’s), Jersey Flegg (Under 21 men’s), Tarsha Gale Cup (Under 19 women’s), SG Ball Cup (Under 19 men’s), Harold Matthews Cup (Under 17 boys) and for the first time in 2023, the Lisa Fiaola Cup (Under 17 girls).
The Knights NRLW and Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership sides will also commence their preparations for 2024 in the early months of next year.
“The official unveiling of the Newcastle Permanent Centre is a hugely significant day in the life of our Club,” Philip said.
“The Knights lived a somewhat nomadic existence leading up to the Centre’s opening in 2022. Now, not only do we have a real home, we have a deeply committed and connected partner in the Newcastle Permanent who is proud to see their name up in lights alongside ours.
“Having our elite training base boast a brand like Newcastle Permanent on the wall speaks to our maturity and professionalism as a Club. It also speaks to Newcastle Permanent’s deep and longstanding commitment to supporting the community that it is so proud to be a part of.
“I’d like to thank Bernadette and her team for the trust and faith they have shown in us, and I look forward to the Newcastle Permanent Centre being a central part of the sporting landscape of Newcastle for many years to come.”