New home for local hockey opens in Sale today
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Tuesday 30 October 2018
A new multi-use synthetic hockey pitch and pavilion was officially opened at the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex (GRSC) today.
The $3.6 million development, known as GRSC Stage 2A, includes a synthetic, multi-use hockey field; a secondary synthetic practice area; and a modern pavilion with inclusive change room facilities, fully-equipped kitchen and meeting spaces.
The new facility meets current Federation International Hockey (FIH) standards which will enable the attraction of state and national sporting events to Wellington.
Wellington Shire Council Mayor Carolyn Crossley said the project had been a partnership in every sense of the word, with Council contributing $1.3 million to the project but also receiving funding from multiple agencies.
“Wellington Shire Council worked closely with our local hockey community, who contributed $50,000 towards this project,” Cr Crossley said.
“Our local Federal Member Darren Chester contributed $600,000 through the Commonwealth National Stronger Regions Fund. “Our State Government representative Harriet Shing helped us secure $650,000 through the Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.
“And of course our great friends at the John Leslie Foundation were generous once again, contributing $1 million towards the project.
“Without this good-will and collaboration, it would have been much more difficult to produce a project of this standard for the benefit of our local communities.”
Cr Crossley said hockey had a strong following in Wellington, but local clubs had been “making-do” with sub-standard facilities for some time.
“The opening of this facility is very exciting for local hockey clubs, who now have a modern, reliable facility of the best possible standard,” she said.
“But this facility is not only for hockey, the pitch is multi-use in that it can easily be used for sports such as touch football, soccer and other sports.
“The addition of this facility to GRSC is the next step in making Wellington a premier location for sport.
“By supplying these facilities, we can not only better accommodate our local sports people and clubs, but also attract a higher standard of competition from other regions, which will also stimulate our local economy.”