Dawson candidate Andrew Willcox pledges $200k for Mackay Hockey clubhouse upgrade

The 35-year-old member-built Mackay Hockey clubhouse is closer to improving its facility and player potential but more is needed to take it to the next level.

Dawson Nationals candidate Andrew Willcox says a re-elected Coalition government will pump $200,000 into Mackay Hockey.

The money will help renovate the clubhouse, add in a new viewing deck with undercover seating and provide more accessible facilities, including to residents with disabilities.

“Hockey is an extremely popular sport in Mackay, a sport that produces champions, and this project will hopefully encourage more young people in the area to take up hockey,” Mr Willcox said.

“In recent years Mackay Hockey has installed a new turf and lights which brings the field up to international standard.

Mackay Hockey Association treasurer Melissa Sorensen, LNP candidate for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Mackay Hockey Association president Matt Murphy. Funding announcement for Mackay Hockey grandstand 13 May 2022. Picture: Max O'Driscoll

“The next step is to renovate and expand the clubhouse to provide better facilities and ensure they meet new disability access requirements.

“Mackay Hockey has also started an all-abilities hockey program and that is proving to be very popular.

“By making the clubhouse more accessible, it will make it easier for members of all abilities to access and use the facilities.”

Mr Willcox said the “world class facility” could become one of the “success stories” for the whole region, ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

“We could potentially have a team that comes here and trains,” he said.

“Whatever we can get out of the 2032 Olympics for legacy items, that’s only going to be a short window.

“But, if we can provide some facilities to have people come stay, train and then after the Olympics is over have all of the locals and visitors alike come and enjoy them, then I think that would be a win-win for everybody.”

Dawson Nationals candidate Andrew Willcox speaks to the party faithful during his campaign launch at the Ocean International Hotel in Mackay on May 4. Picture: Contributed.

The Mackay Hockey Association has always punched above its weight when it comes to producing quality talent for the national team.

Matthew Swann achieved more than 200 appearances for the Kookaburras and in recent times Clare Colwill was selected for the first time with the Hockeyroos.

Association president Matt Murphy said the club was still struggling with retaining players.

He hoped improvements to the facilities would help to mitigate the issues by providing a more comfortable experience for spectating parents.

While thankful for the LNP’s commitment, Mr Murphy estimated it would still require a further $150,000 to complete works on the 35-year-old member-built facility.

LNP candidates across Dawson and Capricornia have made sporting infrastructure a key plank of their pitch for votes.

Capricornia contender Michelle Landry has committed $3.86m to build a premier complex at Walkerston’s Western Suburbs Leagues Club.

The new facility will include fields, netball courts, cricket nets, lighting a men’s shed, covered seating, unisex dressing rooms, a canteen and bar facilities.

“This new facility will provide a first class sporting facility for multi sports here in Walkerston for all of the community to enjoy,” Ms Landry said.

Originally published as Dawson candidate Andrew Willcox pledges $200k for Mackay Hockey clubhouse upgrade