Stead Park lines up for national stage

SHOVELS are in the ground at Corio’s Stead Park as construction on a major redevelopment, promising to elevate the home of local hockey to national standard, begins.

The project will see a new two-story pavilion constructed between the venue’s two pitches. This location will improve viewing for spectators and ensure equal access to its amenities.

The ground floor will house four changerooms, match officials’ facilities, a canteen, equipment storage and a first aid room. Upstairs, a social space, meeting room and kitchen will open onto a terrace overlooking both playing fields.

The venue’s western hockey pitch will also be redeveloped, and will receive a new surface, fencing, electronic scoreboard and lighting to ensure it can host national-level hockey games and other events.

The works are expected to be completed in late 2026.

Lara MP Ella George welcomed the project’s progress.

“The redevelopment of Stead Park is a game-changer for our community, providing world-class facilities that will elevate hockey in Corio, foster greater inclusivity and participation, and also support the local economy and jobs,” she said.

“With the investment in Stead Park, and our commitment to regional sports, the Victorian government is ensuring that local athletes have access to top-tier facilities, helping to inspire the next generation of hockey stars right here in our own backyard.”

Geelong Hockey Association president Graeme Dent said the improvements to Stead Park will cement its reputation as a premier hockey venue.

“The generosity of the Victorian government will inspire our future hockey Olympians and give us the ability to attract national championships and host televised games of international standard,” he said.

The redevelopment is one of five projects to be delivered in the Geelong and Surf Coast regions as part of the Regional Sports Infrastructure Package being rolled out by the Victorian government in the wake of the cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.