The McGowan Government has been successful in its bid to keep Hockey Australia’s High Performance Program in Perth.
Hockey Australia today announced Western Australia was successful over two other shortlisted states, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory.
The current facility at Curtin University will now be transformed into a world-class, purpose-built Australian Hockey Centre with three international hockey pitches, a specialist goalkeeper training facility, an indoor hockey centre and extensive recovery, gym and support facilities.
The new Home of Hockey will be an impressive international stage for players and fans with seating for up to 10,000 spectators, and the latest broadcasting capabilities so WA can show the world all the action.
The McGowan Government’s successful bid, in partnership with Hockey WA and the Western Australian Institute of Sport, was centred around Perth’s rich hockey history and ability to meet the needs of Hockey Australia’s High Performance Program.
It focused on athlete wellbeing, based on its connection to the broader hockey community, strong domestic competition, proximity to Asia, lifestyle appeal, athlete support networks, and world-class facilities.
WA’s video bid can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmStWEY7koI
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“This is a fantastic outcome for Western Australia and for hockey, and I have no doubt this result will be warmly welcomed by fans, players and the hockey community.
“The WA hockey program has continuously delivered world-class athletes who have achieved Olympic and World Cup gold medals for Australia, so it only makes sense that we remain the country’s home of hockey.
“I look forward to many more years of success for Australian hockey here in Perth.”
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
“From grass roots competition to world cup success, Perth has proven to be the place to give Australia’s hockey stars their best shot.
“Hockey Australia agrees, and I am beyond thrilled with today’s announcement that Perth will remain the nation’s Home of Hockey.
“This is the beginning of a new era of hockey in Australia as we get started on the McGowan Government’s $135 million, purpose-built facility at Curtin University.
“The facility will be like no other. It will boast seating for up to 10,000 spectators, three international hockey pitches, an indoor hockey centre, and a specialist training facility for goal keepers.
“We are re-energised for the future of Hockey in Western Australia. I would like to acknowledge the efforts Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King, who has been advocating at a federal level for the high performance program to stay in WA.”
As stated by Federal Resources Minister and Member for Brand Madeleine King:
“This is great news for Western Australia and great news for Hockey WA.
“This cements WA’s reputation as the home of high performance hockey.
“It is especially brilliant news for the hockey playing community of WA, which is the largest in the country.
“Improved facilities at the home of hockey will benefit players of all ages.”
