Hockey to come roaring back at Coffs Harbour

Local hockey will be back in its sweet spot after the City of Coffs Harbour started the ball rolling on a $1.5 million rescue package to secure a new synthetic field at the South Coffs sports precinct. 

This year’s regular hockey season was curtailed in July when the old surface – at the end of its serviceable life – was deemed unfit for play. 

At its 8 August meeting, Council resolved to provide $400,000 and an additional $200,000 low interest loan to Hockey Coffs Coast (HCC) to support its grant application for the replacement of its artificial turf at the Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park. 

Today, the NSW Government announced it would tip in $800,000 for the project, through its Level the Playing Field Program which has invested more than $28 million in sports facilities across the state to make them more inclusive for women and girls.  

HCC has also contributed $100,000. 

“This grant is a testament to the power of all levels of government working together to achieve great things for our community,” City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said. 

Hockey Coffs Coast has more than 450 members on its books, and President Dean Herbert is looking forward to welcoming them back to the field. 

“Our members have shown incredible resilience during the tough period of the field closure earlier this year,” Mr Herbert said. 

“Now, we’re thrilled to turn the page and look forward to resuming play, welcoming both familiar and new faces to the field in the coming years. 

“On behalf HCC and as president, we thank the CIty of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams for her determined hard work in the background getting this over the line.” 

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said he was delighted the NSW Government would play a part in co-funding the initiative with the City and Hockey Coffs Coast. 

“By providing safer, more comfortable and more inclusive facilities, the NSW Government is breaking down the barriers that have traditionally prevented many women from participating in sport,” Mr Kamper said. 

“The NSW Government is pleased to be able to provide this funding to Coffs Coast Hockey Association to ensure the entire region’s female players can play at a safe and inclusive facility.”  

The funding announcement was also welcomed by the sport’s parent body, Hockey NSW. 

"We are thrilled to receive the news that the NSW Government, Coffs Council and Hockey Coffs Coast have committed to funding the critical pitch replacement work at the Coffs Hockey Centre,” CEO Matt Bulkeley said. 

“Hockey NSW looks forward to utilising this updated venue in the near future for development programs such as Centre of Development, Hookin2Hockey and other come and try days to support the participation and growth of hockey in the region." 

Photo: Hockey players and siblings Levi (left) and Hayley Fischer (right) with Hockey Coffs Coast President Dean Herbert and City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams. Both from the Beaches Hockey Club, Levi is an Australian Under 16 representative while Hayley, 21, is captain of the Australian Country team.