A NEW ERA HAS ARRIVED FOR HOCKEY GEELONG!
Friday 9 October marked a momentous occasion for Hockey Geelong as we officially received the keys to our magnificent new facility at Stead Park – the Geelong Hockey Centre!
It was wonderful to receive the swipe cards and keys, making this exciting new chapter a reality. Hockey Geelong Secretary Nette Williams and President Graeme Dent signed the lease, formally taking responsibility for this outstanding facility. While the centre is owned by the City of Greater Geelong, we are incredibly proud to be its tenants and custodians.
We have all watched the development take shape, arriving at training sessions and games and marveling at the progress along the way. Visiting teams have also commented on how impressive and spacious the new facility is. We are indeed fortunate to have such wonderful facilities for our hockey community.
We extend our sincere thanks to Development Victoria, the City of Greater Geelong, Sport and Recreation Victoria and the Victorian Government for their investment and support in making this project possible.
MOVING IN AND MAKING IT OUR HOME
On Saturday 10 October, we began moving into our new home. Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time to help. The move will continue throughout the coming week, and we greatly appreciate the community spirit that will help bring our new centre to life.
Our first function will be the Sharks Presentation Evening on Saturday 17 October – a fitting way to begin making memories in our new home!
JOIN US FOR THE OFFICIAL OPENING
The official opening of the Geelong Hockey Centre will take place on Friday 23 October from 6.00 pm. We warmly invite our hockey community to join us for this special occasion as our local Member of Parliament, Ella George, officially opens the facility.
Following the ceremony, a social drinks gathering will commence at 7.00 pm. Please register your attendance with Nette Williams nette.williams@hockeygeelong.asn.au
THE FESTIVAL OF HOCKEY – 24 & 25 OCTOBER
The celebrations continue with our Festival of Hockey, commencing mid-morning on Saturday 24 October. There will be plenty happening across the weekend as we celebrate our new facilities, our hockey community and the exciting future ahead.
Saturday highlights include:
- Junior hockey clinics with Greta Hayes, Hockeyroo and HC Melbourne player – We are thrilled to welcome Greta from 12.00 noon to 2.00 pm for a series of junior clinics. With more than 79 international appearances for Australia, Greta brings an incredible level of experience and inspiration for our young players. The clinics will run for 30 minutes each, with four sessions available. Greta will also be available for autographs and photos. We encourage all our juniors to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity!
- Pulse Community Radio – Join us from 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm as familiar radio hosts visit the festival and help celebrate this exciting milestone.
- Saints Hockey Club BBQ – Our thanks to Saints Hockey Club for providing the BBQ on Saturday.
These exciting opportunities are made possible through the ongoing support of Hockey Victoria, and we are grateful for their continued commitment to our hockey community.
The Tiger Turf Celebration Dinner will also take place on Saturday 24 October. This event is now at capacity, and we thank everyone who has secured a place.
On Sunday 25 October, the Festival of Hockey continues with another day of hockey and community celebrations. We encourage everyone to come along, enjoy the action and experience our fantastic new facilities. Thank you to Newtown Hockey Club for providing the Sunday BBQ.
Further details about the Festival of Hockey will be available on our website or through your club.
If you have any questions about the opening celebrations or festival activities, please contact us or your club.
Exciting times have arrived for Hockey Geelong! Our new home represents so much more than a building – it is an investment in our players, coaches, umpires, volunteers and the future of hockey across our region.
We look forward to welcoming you all through the doors and celebrating this wonderful achievement together.
Graeme Dent
President, Hockey Geelong
