The NSW Government has announced it will provide $800,000 to Coffs Coast Hockey Association to upgrade the city’s hockey centre.
The Coffs Coast Hockey Centre has been closed since July due to damage to the playing surface.
The funding is being provided under the NSW Government’s Level the Playing Field Program which has invested more than $28 million in sports facilities across NSW to make them more inclusive for women and girls.
Coffs Coast Hockey Association and City of Coffs Harbour Council will co-fund the project, which provides certainty to the Association’s more than 450 members, including over 300 female players.
“This is a great example of local and state government working together to produce great outcomes for our community,” said Coffs Harbour Mayor, Nikki Williams.
“Coffs Harbour has produced many world class hockey players over the years and this grant will ensure not only that we can continue to nurture hockey talent on the Coffs Coast but that the sport remains an option for all in our community young and old that love to play,” she said.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the NSW Government and our local members for their invaluable support. It has been a long and challenging journey, but we are here, making progress for our sport and our community,” said President of Hockey Coffs Coast, Dean Herbert.
“Our members have shown incredible resilience during the tough period of the field closure earlier this year.
“Now, we’re thrilled to turn the page and look forward to resuming play, welcoming both familiar and new faces to the field in the coming years.”
Former Hockeyroos Captain, Brent Livermore OAM OLY congratulated Hockey Coffs Coast on the funding achievement.
“And a heartfelt thank you to the State and Local governments for their dedication to supporting our sport and our region,” he said.
“Together, we are building a legacy of success for future generations.
“Having had the privilege of captaining Australia to Olympic Gold and now mentoring athletes as a high-performance coach, I know firsthand the importance of a strong foundation at the community level.
“This initiative ensures that hockey in the Mid North Coast will continue to thrive, offering pathways for our rich local talent to aspire to greatness while building a stronger, more connected sporting community.”
Find further information on the Level the Playing Field Program.
