Geelong hockey facilities need major upgrades to host Commonwealth Games, Hockey Australia chief says
With Geelong set to become a hockey hub for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Hockey Australia’s chief says urgent facility upgrades could leave a “legacy for the next 20 years”.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A Geelong hockey president says local facilities will be upgraded ahead of the Commonwealth Games in 2026, however he remains unsure if enough money will be invested into improving the game regionally.
Geelong Hockey Association president Peter Stuart welcomed news that Geelong would host Games events but said significant upgrades would be required at Corio’s Stead Park.
“There is no guarantees in life,” he said.
“We have been told all hockey games for the Commonwealth Games will be in Geelong and that the facilities out there are not up to scratch, so I believe there will be upgrades to one extent or another.
“It is just a matter of how much is done and how much money there is available.”
While Stead Park already has two pitches available for more games to be played, Mr Stuart said they were not up to international standard and the ageing clubrooms and lack of inclusive change rooms would also create an issue for the Games and other major sporting events.
“There is so many sports that just don’t get the funding equivalent to the likes of football and perhaps netball and cricket; it would be really nice to see more money spent on hockey and on a lot of those other sports that just don’t get the limelight that football seems to get,” he said.
“It is an opportunity for local people to come and watch international-level sport and it is also an opportunity to bring people in from other areas to visit Geelong and see what we have to offer.
“It is also potentially very good for the younger people coming through the sport who will be encouraged to participate and continue their participation.”
Hockey Australia chief executive David Pryles said the urgent upgrades could leave a “legacy for the next 20 years”.
“It will be a great win for the region to get some infrastructure built so we can host more content in the area including the national championships and further international games,” he said.
Ahead of the Commonwealth Games, Mr Pryles said Stead Park would need the ability to host up to 10,000 fans.
“I think Geelong has an opportunity to be one of the centres for hockey, providing we can get decent facilities built which means we can have more events down that will help tourism, local business and the growth of the area,” he said.
“We want to get more games in Australia and then leverage that for more commercial revenue, but we can only do that if we have the infrastructure in place.”
The call for upgrades at Stead Park comes as development opportunities are currently being explored in the Surf Coast Shire.
“There is plenty of opportunity for growth in the sport over the next 10 years,” Mr Pryles said.
Why Commonwealth Games could ease Geelong’s housing crisis
Building an athletes’ village in central Geelong could help solve the region’s affordable house shortage and kick start key developments along transport corridors, leaders say.
Geelong was last week named one of four host cities for Victoria’s 2026 Commonwealth Games.
According to the state government regional hubs will be established in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland, each with their own athletes’ village and sport program.
Premier Daniel Andrews last week said the games would improve regional housing supply, but that there was no plan yet to turn athletes’ housing into public homes.
The Gold Coast’s 2018 Commonwealth Games athletes’ village has been transformed into a rental community in an area identified as previously lacking high density living.
Committee for Geelong chief executive officer Jennifer Cromarty said the Geelong region was experiencing “significant growth” with an expected need for 73,400 new houses.
“The Commonwealth Games coming to Geelong and the need for accommodation including an athletes village, provides an opportunity to help deliver on the City of Greater Geelong’s plans to increase residential density in Central Geelong and close to public transport corridors,” Ms Cromarty said.
“This would deliver on the City of Greater Geelong’s long term strategic planning ambitions to grow and regenerate key precincts close to the Geelong CBD which are richer in transport and community services including those being currently considered in the South Geelong and Pakington St/Gordon Avenue UDFs.
“The Commonwealth Games provides a unique opportunity to kick start essential housing developments along transport corridors to ensure a long term legacy and alleviate pressures in housing demand.”
Give Where You Live chief executive officer Bill Mithen said converting an athletes’ village into social housing would be a “positive outcome”.
But, he said the needs of the community must be considered from the outset.
“It’s really important to design with the end outcome in mind,” he said.
“The end outcome isn’t necessarily to build an athletes’ village. The end outcome is to build solid, affordable housing that can be used as an athletes’ village.”
Mr Mithen said while housing anywhere across the region would be used, it was important to build social housing near amenities.
“What we do know is that an event like the Commonwealth Games can provide the vehicle for substantive social programs and social change in an area,” he said.
“We should be, as a region, really considering this carefully and not merely thinking about what sporting facility can we build, but what is it that’s going to be an everlasting and a step change in our community.”
City of Greater Geelong deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan said: “After the Games the athlete’s hub could be turned into affordable housing and leave lasting benefits for our region”.
What Geelong needs to host the Commonwealth Games
City Hall has identified a new Regional Indoor Sports and Events Centre as a “priority project” to ensure Geelong has the facilities to host key events at the Commonwealth Games.
A day after Geelong was named as one of four regional hosts of the 2026 Games leaders say
major investment is needed in swimming, diving, hockey, gymnastics and table tennis facilities.
Geelong is tipped to host these key events as well as beach volleyball and T20 Cricket.
City’s deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said council would have “detailed discussions” with the state government to understand its plans for where the seven local Commonwealth Games events would be hosted.
He said the proposed indoor sports centre would help position Geelong as a destination for major indoor sporting events and could host events like gymnastics and table tennis.
“A Regional Indoor Sports and Events Centre is a priority project for Council and we are developing a business case to advocate for funding from the Victorian and Australian Governments for this facility,” he said.
Geelong Hockey Association former president Alan Climpson said facilities at Stead Park, including pitch two, would need to be upgraded to host international grade hockey.
“The club rooms will need an overhaul, there are not enough change rooms and toilet facilities or umpire facilities,” he said.
“There is a lot of work to do.”
Mr Climpson said the Games would boost the profile of local hockey and hopefully draw more members to local clubs.
Committee for Geelong chief executive officer Jennifer Cromarty said securing the Games gave the government and advocacy groups the opportunity to ensure Geelong has the “necessary infrastructure to grow well and be a modern city with global standing”.
Ms Cromarty said the city was well placed to hold more sports and host the closing ceremony, but she said key projects, including the planned Geelong Convention Centre, must be completed before the event is held.
“The Games local organising committee will need to work with government and local
stakeholders over the next four years to ensure that the increased infrastructure investment, particularly in terms of affordable and social housing as well as public transport infrastructure, is realise,” she said.
Bellarine MP Lisa Neville would not say if the planned Drysdale pool could be upgraded to meet international standards, but said all options were being investigated.
“A process to assess upgrades to all sporting facilities to ensure they are up to international standard is underway and the result will be a win for our community in the future," Ms Neville said.
Corangamite MP Libby Coker said she would be “excited” if the Drysdale pool could help support the Commonwealth Games – even if as a training venue.
Federal Labor has pledged to deliver a $20m indoor pool if elected, while the Coalition has committed to deliver an outdoor 50m pool in stage 1 and an indoor pool in stage 2.
“The outdoor pools in our region, including the soon to be built Drysdale pool, lend themselves to large crowds – with appropriate seating installed,” Liberal Candidate for Corangamite, Stephanie Asher said.
Geelong’s Commonwealth Games sports revealed
Geelong will host key events including the swimming at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Tuesday that Victoria had won its bid to host a regional edition of the Games.
The opening ceremony will be held at the MCG but Geelong, Bendigo, Gippsland and Ballarat will be home to four regional hubs with each area hosting athletes and multiple sports.
It is expected that Geelong could host the closing ceremony at GMHBA stadium.
The state government has estimated Australia’s sixth Games would contribute $3 billion to the Victorian economy.
Geelong is likely to host the swimming, diving, gymnastics, hockey, table tennis, T20 cricket, the triathlon and beach volleyball.
While existing venues like Kardinia Park will be used, it is expected that some new facilities will be built for the Games.
Bellarine MP Lisa Neville flagged new aquatic and hockey facilities would be built, while other venues would require significant investment.
“We will be utilising what we have and then actually getting new things and great amenities to Geelong,” Ms Neville said.
Geelong Swimming Club president Glenn Benson said Kardinia Aquatic Centre should be upgraded to be able to host the Games.
He said it would “tremendously exciting” to share the facility with the world, but said electronic scoreboards, new blocks and seating would be needed.
Mr Benson said the club was helping to produce strong, young swimmers who would be motivated to participate in a home Games.
“These guys are going to be trying to get into the Commonwealth Games and it’s going to be really exciting and motivating for them,” he said.
Vic Beach Geelong owner and director Greg Jury said hosting the beach volleyball would draw even more spectators to the sport.
“It’s huge news,” Mr Jury said.
“We are the largest volleyball community in the state and it makes great sense to have it here (in Geelong).”
Geelong 2014 Commonwealth Games runner Jess Gulli-Nance welcomed the announcement.
“(It is) such an exciting announcement and a great opportunity for both Geelong as a region and our local athletes,” she said.
“What perfect motivation for Geelong’s athletes knowing they have the potential to be able to represent their country in front of all their family and friends.”
City of Greater Geelong deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan said the Games would showcase the best of the region.
“The Games attract more than 5000 athletes from more than 70 nations, so the economic benefits for our tourism, events and hospitality industries will be enormous,” he said.
“This is not just about sport: thousands of athletes and spectators will experience the growing buzz about Geelong, including our fabulous food, culture, and beaches.
“We’re thrilled that Geelong has won the opportunity to host a regional hub for athletes and official and fans. After the Games the athlete’s hub could be turned into affordable housing and leave lasting benefits for our region.”
Commonwealth Games Federation president Dame Louise Martin said the federation was “passionately committed to creating a lasting legacy for Victorians”.
More Coverage
Originally published as Geelong hockey facilities need major upgrades to host Commonwealth Games, Hockey Australia chief says
Bellarine IT worker jailed after raid reveals vile child abuse videos
A Curlewis man was caught with a collection of hundreds of child abuse videos, a court has heard.
Top experts for formal preparation revealed
The votes are in, and now the top experts in hair styling, make-up artistry, spray tanning, nails, lashes and brows can be revealed. SEE THE TOP FIVE IN EACH CATEGORY