Third hockey pitch officially opened

HOCKEY has scored a major goal on the Surf Coast with the opening of a third pitch at Banyul Warri Fields in Torquay North.

The new pitch is home to the Torquay Hockey Club and features a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly Poligras Platinum World Cup synthetic surface, 500 lux LED lighting, electronic scoreboard, sheltered seating and a new car park.

Local Wadawurrung artist Billy-Jay (BJ) O’Toole also created a specially-designed artwork that has been stitched into the hockey pitch surface.

His design incorporates handprints as a symbol of connection and togetherness between the players, with a ‘U’ between spears and boomerangs representing the strength of the members of the club where all are welcome.

The new hockey facility will also enable summer competition games to be scheduled from early 2026 for Hockey Geelong while Corio’s Stead Park is being upgraded.

The works include a Poligras Platinum World Cup synthetic surface, 500 lux LED lighting, electronic scoreboard, sheltered seating and a new car park.

“Torquay Hockey Club sincerely thanks the Victorian government for funding the new Banyul-Warri Fields hockey facility, and the Surf Coast Shire for delivering this exceptional community asset,” Torquay Tornadoes vice-president Andrew Crowley said.

“We also thank Hockey Australia, Hockey Victoria and Hockey Geelong for their ongoing support in helping hockey thrive on the Surf Coast.”

Over the course of the project, the works employed 102 people and involved 54 businesses.

The pitch was funded through the $550 million Regional Sports Infrastructure Program and was delivered by Surf Coast Shire in partnership Sport and Recreation Victoria.

It is one of 16 projects being delivered through the Victorian government’s Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, which includes five projects in the Surf Coast and Geelong region.

Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney officially open the new pitch on Wednesday this week alongside Surf Coast Shire mayor Libby Stapleton and hockey stakeholders.

Tornadoes vice-president Andrew Crowley, Surf Coast mayor Libby Stapleton, Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney, and Tornadoes president Sarah Stores unveil a plaque at the pitch.

“This is an exciting day for hockey lovers and sports fans on the Surf Coast as we officially open these state-of-the-art facilities, delivered months ahead of schedule,” Ms Tierney said.

“We are so proud to see the results of our significant investment into sports infrastructure across Victoria that is helping our regional cities and towns become even better places to live, work, stay and play.”

Cr Stapleton said the pitch was a welcome addition to the busy Banyul-Warri Fields precinct, which continued to grow as an important place for community connections and wellbeing.

“Huge thanks to the Victorian government for teaming up with us on this project.”