Perth to remain Australia’s Home of Hockey

Perth will remain the home of Australian hockey, with Hockey Australia today announcing the $135-million proposal from the McGowan Government and Hockey WA has been successful.

Hockey WA’s existing facility at Curtin University will now be transformed into a world-class, purpose-built Australian Hockey Centre with three international hockey pitches, a specialist goalkeeper training facility, an indoor hockey centre and extensive recovery, gym and support facilities. The major stadium will include seating for up to 10,000 spectators.

Hockey WA CEO Fabian Ross said the announcement was hugely significant for the sport of hockey in Australia and particularly in Western Australia.

“I’m elated and incredibly thankful at the news of our successful bid – and the fact Perth will remain the long-term home of Australia’s high-performance program,” Ross said.

“The support from the McGowan Government has been tremendous and we can’t thank the Premier, as well as Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman, enough for their landmark support. I’d also like to acknowledge our wonderful partners at Curtin University.”

Hockey WA President Katie Flanagan was delighted at the announcement.

“In addition to the Government’s unprecedented support, I wanted to personally thank and acknowledge the tremendous contributions and efforts of the Hockey WA Board and CEO Fabian Ross and staff at Hockey WA, as well as those who served on the Board before it, including Immediate Past President Michael Henderson and fellow Past President Garry Fitzpatrick and their Boards,” Flanagan said.

“I’d also like to pay tribute to our membership, across the state, who have been incredibly supportive throughout the process.

“This is a wonderful day for hockey in Australia and, in particular, all of those with an interest in the sport across Western Australia. We can’t wait to get the work started and to lay the foundations for the future generations of players, officials and administrators who’ll use these wonderful facilities in the generations ahead.”

Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman said the location was the most fitting for the sport.

“From grass roots competition to World Cup success, Perth has proven to be the place to give Australia’s hockey stars their best shot,” Templeman said.

“It looks like Hockey Australia agrees, and I am beyond thrilled with today’s announcement that Perth will remain the nation’s Home of Hockey.

“This is the beginning of a new era of hockey in Australia as we get started on our new $135-million, purpose-built facility at Curtin University.

“The facility will be like no other. It will boast seating for 10,000 spectators, three international hockey pitches, an indoor hockey centre, and a specialist training facility for goalkeepers.

“We are reenergised for the future of Hockey in Western Australia.” 

The McGowan Government’s bid, in partnership with Hockey WA, centred around Perth's rich hockey history and ability to meet the needs of Hockey Australia's High-Performance program. It focused on athlete wellbeing, based on its connection to the broader hockey community, strong domestic competition, proximity to Asia, lifestyle appeal, athlete support networks, and world-class facilities.

Detailed planning will now commence, with a phased approach and key timings to be released in due course.