Federal Member for Groom, Garth Hamilton and the Toowoomba Hockey Association are working together to rally support for upgrades to the Hockey Club stadium and multi-purpose facilities.
Launching a petition to support the project, Mr Hamilton said the proposed upgrades would be a game-changer for the club and the wider sporting community, bringing Toowoomba’s hockey facilities up to a world-class standard.
“This is an opportunity for our community to come together and show its support for the next generation of home grown athletes.
“Locally hockey is a sport that has launched many successful local athletes into national and international competitions and it is widely accessible as an affordable, fun sport,” Mr Hamilton said
The initiative has been strongly supported by the Toowoomba Hockey Association and key figures within the hockey community, with 964 signatures already received.
Australian Hockeyroo and 2024 Olympian, Tatum Stewart, highlighted the significance of the project.
“It’s very important for up-and-coming athletes or aspiring Olympians to be able to have access to world class facilities.
“Toowoomba Hockey Club is such an amazing place for so many people to come and play, be fit, active, healthy and do something that we all love.
“I think it’s so important that the entire community gets around such an important thing for the progress of our sport, and the progress of this community,” Miss Stewart said.
Karen Smith, former Hockeyroo and Toowoomba Hockey Coach, said the upgrades would provide more opportunities for players to grow and improve their skills.
“We have many talented athletes coming through, as well as an amazing community base of players.
“We have people of all ages and levels who love playing the sport.
“This upgrade won’t just help our elite athletes, but our grassroots level players as well,” Ms Smith said.
Mr Hamilton said the proposed upgrades are about more than just improving infrastructure.
“Investing in the region is about fostering growth, attracting new players, and cementing Toowoomba as a hub for hockey excellence in our state,” Mr Hamilton said.
“As the local member, I am working with the hockey association, our community and fighting for funding as part of the Coalition’s plan for Australia’s future,” Mr Hamilton said.
In 2023 the Coalition announced a future Dutton Government would invest $250 million to support community sporting infrastructure across the country.
The petition can be accessed via the link here.
ENDS.
Media Contact: Greta Dwan 0414 211 908