- Synthetic playing surface for Southern River Hockey Club opens today
- Only the second hockey facility in Australia with LED lighting
Hockey in Perth's south-eastern corridor will today receive a huge boost with the opening of the first synthetic field in the region at Southern River Hockey Club which is based at Sutherlands Park in Huntingdale.
The completed upgrades also include the installation of LED lighting throughout the new facility, making the club only the second Australian hockey facility to use such technology.
The $2.6 million world-class project was funded in partnership between State, Federal and local governments, as well as the club who raised a remarkable $438,000 through grassroots fundraising efforts.
Synthetic hockey surfaces increase the quality and speed of hockey, and are a requirement for full International Hockey Federation accreditation which the club will now obtain.
Elite and international matches can now be played at Sutherlands Park, and WA's 25,000 hockey players now have access to a world-class surface in the southern suburbs.
As stated by Acting Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
"Hockey players in the south-eastern corridor now have access to one of the best playing facilities in the country.
"Having access to a quality playing surface brings about more opportunities for Western Australians to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of sport.
"Congratulations to the Southern River Hockey Club on their stellar community fundraising efforts and impressive new facility."
As stated by Southern River MLA Terry Healy:
"I'm pleased the State Government has helped deliver upgrades to Southern River's sporting facilities, which have a positive impact in our local communities in terms of health and inclusion.
"I'm a big supporter of our local sporting clubs, and it's great to see our Southern River Hockey Club benefiting from upgrades to their facilities."
