The future of hockey on the Surf Coast is even brighter with the opening of a new pitch at Banyul-Warri Fields, thanks to the Allan Labor Government.
Labor Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney MP today represented Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence alongside Surf Coast Shire Mayor Cr Libby Stapleton and hockey stakeholders to officially open Torquay’s new hockey pitch.
The project is funded through the $550 million Regional Sports Infrastructure Program. The new pitch is home to the Torquay Hockey Club and features a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly Poligras Platinum World Cup synthetic surface, 500 lux LED lighting, electronic scoreboard, sheltered seating and a new car park.
The pitch has been made even more special thanks to local Wadawurrung artist Billy-Jay (BJ) O’Toole, who created a specially-designed artwork stitched into the hockey pitch surface.
His design incorporates handprints as a symbol of connection and togetherness between the players, with a ‘U’ between spears and boomerangs representing the strength of the members of the club where all are welcome.
The new hockey facility will also enable summer competition games to be scheduled from early-2026 for Hockey Geelong while Stead Park in Corio is being upgraded.
With 102 people employed and 54 businesses engaged over the course of the project, the development has contributed to the local economy while creating more opportunities for the hockey community.
The Banyul-Warri Fields hockey pitch has been delivered by Surf Coast Shire in partnership Sport and Recreation Victoria. It is one of 16 projects being delivered through the Labor Government’s Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, which includes five projects in the Surf Coast and Geelong region.
Other major investments in the region include Stage 2 of the Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Torquay, a new indoor sports centre at Armstrong Creek, a new six-court indoor sporting complex at Waurn Ponds, and redeveloped hockey facilities at Stead Park in Corio.
The Regional Sports Infrastructure Program is part of the Labor Government’s record $47 billion investment in projects and programs supporting our regions to be even better places to live, work, stay, and play. For more information about the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, visit sport.vic.gov.au/rsip.
Quote attributable to Labor Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney MP
“This is an exciting day for hockey lovers and sports fans right across the Surf Coast and the greater Geelong region. These state-of-the-art facilities – delivered months ahead of schedule – will give local players, families and volunteers a place they can truly be proud of. I can’t wait to see the Torquay Hockey community make this pitch their own.”
“We are so proud to see the results of our significant investment into sports infrastructure across Victoria that is helping our regional cities and towns become even better places to live, work, stay and play.”
Quote attributable to Surf Coast Shire Mayor Cr Libby Stapleton
“The hockey pitch is a welcome addition to the busy Banyul-Warri Fields precinct, which continues to grow as an important place for community connections and wellbeing.
“Huge thanks to the Victorian Government for teaming up with us on this project.”
Quote attributable to Torquay Tornadoes Hockey Club Vice President Andrew Crowley
“Torquay Hockey Club sincerely thanks the Victorian State Government for funding the new Banyul-Warri Fields hockey facility, and the Surf Coast Shire for delivering this exceptional community asset. We also thank Hockey Australia, Hockey Victoria and Hockey Geelong for their ongoing support in helping hockey thrive on the Surf Coast.”
“With the Shire’s long-term support, we’ve grown from one junior team in 2010 to a strong club across women’s, men’s, and junior competitions. Our world class new home is a true game changer for our members and the broader community.”
