The Marcellin Park ground is used by hundreds of senior, junior and women’s rugby teams, along with its own Maitland Blacks Netball Club.

The $500,000 will be more than matched by contributions from the clubs themselves as part of a total $1.2 million upgrade.

Work will include new women’s change rooms, a junior area, and extensions and renovations that will include a lift to allow wheelchair accessibility and replacement of the old grandstand.

Maitland Blacks is Australia’s second oldest Rugby club, formed in 1877, and has been growing rapidly with 660 players registered including 498 juniors, which includes 76 girls; and the 157 senior player ranks include 37 women, all active players.

Maitland Rugby Blacks Netball has 200 registered players.

“Our federal National and Liberal Government has prioritised investment in local grassroots sports because we recognise the wider health, social and community benefits that come from greater activity and participating in sport,” David Gillespie, Federal Member for Lyne said.

“It is a key priority of our government to promote the social and health benefits of physical activity and sport and our investment to upgrade facilities and infrastructure will provide a real encouragement for those local residents not currently active.”

Marcellin also hosts local school Rugby teams and coaching clinics for Hunter region and NSW Junior Rugby and will be a great asset to the sporting infrastructure of Maitland.

“I was so pleased to support this Club application as they have a track record of huge community use, are family friendly, self starters, exhibit strong volunteer ethos and back themselves,” Mr Gillespie said.

The investment is part of the Community Sport Infrastructure Grant program that is investing $28 million in 223 projects across Australia.