Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) (Arena)

From the manager

The $30 million Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC), opened in September 2008, is one of Tamworth Regional Council’s most significant achievements.

The AELEC, designed to enhance Tamworth as NSW’s leading equine region, took 15 months to build. Council contributed over $20 million through council cash and reserves and loan funds, with the balance coming from Federal and State Government grants.

The AELEC has already attracted international attention for its design and its facilities, and has hosted a range of events, including state and national titles.

Additional facilities include undercroft stock holding yards; six blocks with 478 stables, wash bays, laundry and bathroom facilities; and an education and training building including a lecture theatre. The outdoor grounds also provide for a campdraft arena, two warm-up arenas, horse sporting fields, undercover cattle yards, show jumping and dressage, truck parking bays, a truck wash and lawn areas.

Tamworth Regional Council plans further staged development of the AELEC, including more stables, increased stadium seating, and two additional wings to the stadium which would house a restaurant and an exhibition hall containing a heritage hall of fame.