$135 million proposal for Perth to retain High Performance hockey program

A $135 million proposal has been made by the Western Australian Government in partnership with Hockey WA to retain the High Performance hockey program in Perth.

As part of the bid, the State Government has committed to redeveloping Perth Hockey Stadium into a contemporary 'Home of Hockey' that is a world-class, high-performance centre and international competition venue, which will include three hockey pitches, a specialist training facility, and an indoor hockey centre.

Currently, the head office is located in Melbourne, while the High Performance program is based in Perth. If the bid is successful, it will be the first time in Australian history that Hockey Australia's head office and the High Performance program can work side by side.

WA Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman led a delegation of Hockey WA, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, and the Western Australian Institute of Sport representatives to Sydney last week with the proposal.

WA is among three shortlisted States to house the High Performance program, with Victoria and Australian Capital Territory still in the running.

WA's bid was centred around Perth's rich hockey history and ability to meet the needs of Hockey Australia's High Performance program - with a focus 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.

WA Premier Mark McGowan noted "Perth has been Australia's home of hockey since 1984, overseeing four decades of sustained success at the elite level for the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos.

"The WA hockey program was the first elite sporting program established outside Canberra and has proven remarkably successful in delivering Olympic and World Cup gold medals for Australia.

"Perth's program has produced many of the world's best - so it only makes sense.”

The Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) strongly supports the WA Government and Hockey WA’s proposal to retain the Hockey Australia High Performance Program in Perth.

Under the proposal the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos will continue to have access to the WAIS High Performance Service Centre, including recovery centre, environmental chamber, indoor running track, strength and conditioning facilities and clinical treatment rooms.

Western Australian Institute of Sport Chief Executive Steve Lawrence adds “the WA Government and Hockey WA plans for the Hockey Australia National Training Centre are truly world class. They provide the sport the opportunity to reimagine how they deliver their national programs for future international success.

“WAIS looks forward to continuing its partnership with Hockey and the National Institute Network to assist Hockey remain one of Australia’s golden sports.”

Image. Credit: WAIS