The first competition games have been held on new water-based turf at the Goulburn Regional Hockey Complex, following an official opening of the facility on Saturday morning.
Goulburn Mayor, Peter Walker, NSW Minister for Local Government and Member for Goulburn, Wendy Tuckerman joined President of Goulburn District Hockey, Sharney Fleming, to officially open the field. Also in attendance was Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction and Member for Hume, Angus Taylor; Kate Pulbrook of Hockey NSW and a number of committee members and hockey representatives from around the region.
The new complex contains two synthetic fields, national championship quality lighting and a new expanded car park.
“The new blue turf can’t be missed, and provides an excellent fast surface for our players. Combined with the lighting and soon to be upgraded amenities buildings we will now be able to attract and host state and potentially even national hockey championship events” said Mayor Walker.
Mrs Tuckerman said the facilities upgrade to championship event standard benefits local players and will attracts visitors to the region.
“Goulburn has a proud history when it comes to professional and social hockey participation and the upgrade secures the future of hockey in Goulburn and surrounds,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
Following the official opening and speeches Goulburn Hockey Association held a come and try day, before Goulburn’s three Canberra Capital League teams played their opening round matches.
The NSW Government provided $3.872 million towards this project, Council contributed just over $3 million to purchase the facility and Goulburn District Hockey Association also contributed $200,000.
Council will award a tender for the amenities upgrade in the coming months, which will complete the project.