The 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.
Find further information on the Level the Playing Field Program.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said
“The Minns Labor Government continues to be committed to levelling the playing field for women’s sport by transforming and expanding sports facilities across NSW to enable more women and girls to participate in sport.”
“By providing safer, more comfortable and more inclusive facilities, the NSW Government is breaking down the barriers that have traditionally prevented many women from participating in sport.
“The NSW Government is pleased to be able to provide this funding to Coffs Coast Hockey Association to ensure the entire region’s female players can play at a safe and inclusive facility.”
President of Hockey Coffs Coast Dean Herbert 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.
“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.”
Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said:
“This is a great example of local and state government working together to produce great outcomes for our community.
“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.”
Hockey NSW CEO Matt Bulkeley said:
“Hockey NSW CEO Matthew Bulkeley said " We are thrilled to receive the news that the NSW Government, Coffs Council and Hockey Coffs Coast have committed to funding the critical pitch replacement work at the Coffs Hockey Centre.”
“Hockey NSW look forward to utilizing this updated venue in the near future for development programs such as Centre of Development, Hookin2Hockey and other come and try days to support the participation and growth of Hockey in the region."
Former Hockeyroos Captain Brent Livermore OAM OLY said:
“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.
Congratulations to Hockey Coffs Coast on this remarkable achievement, and a heartfelt thank you to the State and Local governments for their dedication to supporting our sport and our region.
“Together, we are building a legacy of success for future generations.”
