A render of the central boulevard for the new Australian Hockey Centre that has commenced construction at Curtin University.
Perth is set to solidify its position as Australia’s premier hockey destination following a significant $163 million investment by the State Government. This funding will transform the existing Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University in Bentley into a world-class Australian Hockey Centre, catering to both amateur and professional leagues.
The new facility will become the home of Hockey Australia’s Centre of Excellence and High-Performance program, hosting the Australian men’s and women’s teams, the Kookaburras and the Hockeyroos, alongside local clubs and Premier League teams. This development underscores Perth’s status as a cornerstone of Australian hockey and highlights Western Australia’s passion for the sport.
Transforming Perth’s Hockey Landscape
Hockey WA Chief Executive Officer Graham Reid emphasized Western Australia’s leading role in national hockey participation.
“We have just over 23,000 players and 180 clubs statewide. We have competitions ranging from under fives through to over 85s,” he said. “We’ve been a leader in Australia in hockey for a long time.”
The new centre will feature a specialist high-performance training centre, an indoor hockey centre with two courts, and four outdoor pitches, with at least two meeting category one international standards. Additionally, a new 1,000-seat stadium will be built, accommodating up to 10,000 spectators on event days.
Boosting Local and National Competitions
The enhanced facilities are expected to attract athletes nationwide, offering access to specialist sports lighting, quality change rooms, sports science services, and modern broadcasting capabilities. Reid expressed hope that the investment would encourage larger-scale hockey events in WA and bolster grassroots participation.
“The great thing about this stadium is that it has the State level, but it also has the community level,” Reid noted. “We’re trying to base three existing community clubs here as their home ground.”
The upgraded venue will allow Perth to bid for significant events such as the Masters Hockey World Cup in 2030 and the annual Pro League world championships. Reid also highlighted opportunities to expand existing programs, such as the Youth International Cup for under 16s, potentially extending to under 18s.
Strengthening Educational and Community Ties
The project is also expected to enhance Hockey WA’s relationship with Curtin University, potentially integrating sports science students into the centre’s operations. The WA Government has been collaborating with Hockey Australia for several years to bring this project to fruition.
Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti stated that the multi-million-dollar investment is part of the Cook Government’s PlayOn WA initiative, aiming to deliver community sport and recreation infrastructure projects across WA by 2030.
“For more than 40 years, Perth has been home to the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos, and this investment ensures the next generation of WA athletes have access to facilities that match their ambition and talent,” she said.
Ensuring Perth’s Hockey Legacy
South Perth MP Geoff Baker expressed confidence that the new facility would secure Perth’s future as a hub for both local and professional hockey competitions.
“Having a world-class Australian Hockey Centre right on our doorstep will bring new energy to the area, attract major competitions, and create more opportunities for local families and young players to get involved in hockey,” he said.
The State Government has confirmed that existing hockey turfs will remain available for training and competitions during the construction of the new facility. Phase one is expected to be completed by April 2028, with phase two following by May 2029.
