‘A huge coup’ - Hockey celebrates landmark investment in Canberra

Hockey in Australia has achieved another significant milestone, securing a landmark $1.5 million investment from the Australian Government to further grow hockey in Canberra.

The announcement follows significant investment in Queensland and Western Australia and will ensure the Carter Field at the National Hockey Centre in Lyneham remains a top-tier venue for community and elite hockey.

Canberra’s premier hockey pitch, Carter Field is home to the Hockey One League’s Canberra Chill and will be reconsidered as a host for major international events after undergoing a major upgrade.

The funding will see the current deteriorated pitch replaced with a new International Category One surface - the same used at the 2024 Paris Olympics - along with upgrades to irrigation, fencing, and other key infrastructure.

Additionally, the new surface will reduce water use by 45% and support over 10,000 community fixtures and training sessions over the next decade.

Hockey Australia CEO David Pryles says the announcement is another coup for hockey in Australia.

“This substantial investment marks another major win for hockey in Australia and delivers a much-needed boost to the sport in Canberra,” said Hockey Australia CEO David Pryles.

“It’s incredibly exciting to see the return of another world-class international hockey venue on home soil. This investment not only strengthens Australia’s presence on the global stage but also ensures a lasting legacy for our sport, strengthening our Player Pathway, increasing community engagement and opportunity, and inspiring the next generation across the country.”

“Hockey ACT is delighted and welcomes the commitment from Alicia Payne and the Labor Government to upgrade the Carter Field back to international standard,” said Hockey ACT CEO Rob Sheekey.

“The Carter Field is the premier hockey surface in Canberra and the announcement would ensure the Canberra Chill, future Australian athletes and most importantly the ACT community have a premier field to play on.

“ACT is currently the only state in Australia without an international playing surface and it is hoped that this announcement will return Canberra to one of the premier international locations in Australia.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher:

“The whole federal Labor team is out batting for Canberra every day, and this is another great outcome for our city – supporting local sport and local athletes.

“As a team, we’ve already delivered more funding for Canberra’s NBN, invested in roads and light rail and restored funding for our national institutions. If re-elected, we’ll contribute funding to a new convention centre, a new aquatic centre and open a new Urgent Care Clinic in Woden.

“Labor invests in Canberra. The Liberals ignore us at best and at worst, they cut.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Canberra, Alicia Payne:

“Hockey is one of the most popular and inclusive sports in Canberra for juniors, men and women and it’s important that the National Hockey Centre is safe and fit for purpose.

“There is a great need for this upgrade and I am so pleased that the Albanese Labor Government has supported my advocacy for this investment to be made.”