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 investment by the State Government. A $163 million commitment will transform the existing Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University into a state-of-the-art Australian Hockey Centre, catering to both amateur and professional leagues. This development is poised to enhance Western Australia’s reputation as the nation’s most fervent hockey community.
The transformation will see the stadium become the home of Hockey Australia’s Centre of Excellence and High-Performance program. The Australian men’s and women’s national teams, the Kookaburras and the Hockeyroos, will train and compete at this new facility, alongside local club and Premier League teams. This ambitious project aims to reinforce Perth’s status as a cornerstone of Australian hockey.
Transforming Perth into a Hockey Powerhouse
According to Hockey WA Chief Executive Officer Graham Reid, Western Australia boasts the highest hockey participation rates in the country.
“We have just over 23,000 players and 180 clubs statewide. We have competitions ranging from under fives through to over 85s,”
Reid told PerthNow. This extensive participation underscores the state’s deep-rooted connection to the sport.
The new centre will include a high-performance training facility, an indoor hockey centre with two courts, and four outdoor pitches, at least two of which will meet category one international standards. A new 1,000-seat stadium will be constructed, with the venue capable of accommodating up to 10,000 spectators during events. This comprehensive upgrade is expected to attract athletes nationwide, offering access to advanced sports lighting, quality change rooms, sports science services, and modern broadcasting capabilities.
Boosting Local and International Competitions
Reid expressed hope that the investment would encourage larger-scale hockey events and competitions in Western Australia, strengthening grassroots participation.
“The great thing about this stadium is that it has the State level, but it also has the community level,”
he remarked. The facility aims to serve as the home ground for three existing community clubs, with the addition of indoor courts facilitating the sport’s growth.
The infrastructure will also position Perth as a potential host for major international events, such as the Masters Hockey World Cup in 2030 and the annual Pro League world championships. Reid highlighted the opportunity to expand existing programs like the Youth International Cup for under 16s, which attracts players from countries including Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Korea.
Strengthening Partnerships and Future Prospects
The project is expected to enhance Hockey WA’s relationship with Curtin University, potentially involving sports science students in the centre’s operations. The Western Australian Government has been collaborating with Hockey Australia for the past three to four years to bring this project to fruition.
Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti emphasized the importance of the investment in securing Perth’s status as a hockey juggernaut for future generations. The initiative is part of the Cook Government’s PlayOn WA strategy, which aims to deliver 2030 community sport and recreation infrastructure projects across the state.
“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,”
Saffioti stated.
South Perth MP Geoff Baker echoed these sentiments, noting that the world-class facility would invigorate the area, attract major competitions, and create more opportunities for local families and young players to engage with hockey.
“This project ensures our community continues to be at the heart of Australia’s hockey story,”
he said.
Construction Timeline and Community Impact
The State Government has confirmed that the existing hockey turfs will remain operational for training and competitions during the construction of the new facility. Phase one of the project is expected to be completed by April 2028, with phase two following in May 2029. This phased approach ensures minimal disruption to the current hockey activities while paving the way for a brighter future for the sport in Western Australia.
