Nationals MPs Dugald Saunders (right), Michael McCormack (centre) and Wes Fang and the Wagga Combined Hockey Association are calling for State and Federal government funding to upgrade Wagga’s hockey fields. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders, Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack and NSW MLC Wes Fang have teamed up with the Wagga Wagga Combined Hockey Association to try to bring the 2027 Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup to the regions.
During his visit to Wagga earlier this week, Mr Saunders called for the NSW and Federal governments to acknowledge the popularity and importance of hockey in Wagga by delivering a $3 million upgrade package for local fields.
Mr Saunders, the Nationals and the Wagga Wagga Combined Hockey Association hope that delivering the upgrades and bringing the fields to international standards, which includes new light towers, permanent seating and stands, relaid fields and clubroom amenities, will allow Wagga to serve as a location for the 2027 Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup.
“This tournament will attract crowds from right across the world, allowing us to not only showcase our talented young athletes, but also all regional NSW has to offer,” Mr Saunders said.
“We need to shoot for gold and do everything possible to make this a reality, and that will require investment in local infrastructure, which is something the government needs to prioritise and also be pushing its federal counterpart for.
“It will also put the regions on the map ahead of the Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics, with upgraded facilities opening the door to potentially hosting training camps for the 2032 Games.”
The Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup, held every two years, will attract the most skilled players from around the world, including top-ranked countries such as India, the Netherlands and Belgium. It also provides a showcase for upcoming talent, some of which will participate in the 2028 and 2032 Olympic Games.
As of writing, the Australian women’s team is ranked fifth in the world, while the men’s side is sixth.
Australia is the heavy favourite to win the bid for the 2027 event, with India another top contender.
Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said Wagga was ready to host an international event, with major sporting organisations such as the NRL, AFLW, Super Netball and WBBL all visiting the town in recent years.
“Thousands of people will pack the stands if it is built in time for the event,” Mr McCormack said.
“I’ll be here cheering as well, and hundreds of people who don’t normally come to hockey will come and see and instantly get hooked.
“All of our great local hockey clubs produce great kids and skilful players. We just need the right facilities in the right places to ensure Wagga is contributing to our country’s success in hockey.”
Wagga Wagga Combined Hockey Association president Elisabeth Cronin said upgrades to the fields would benefit the region hugely, regardless of whether the World Cup came to town.
“We definitely do need the second field upgraded, and that’s been on the cards for a while,” she said.
”We were trying very hard to get fundraising to raise the funds, and then when this opportunity was presented to us, it just blew us out of the water.
“Hopefully, everything aligns for us and we can upgrade our facility to an international standard so we can host events beyond the 2027 World Cup.
“The flow-on effect of hosting other major tournaments here really will add to our tourism economy and bring new people to the game. While it isn’t cheap to rebuild facilities, I have no doubt Wagga will see a return on investment in no time.
“It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”
