Banyul-Warri Fields Hockey Pitch

The future of hockey on the Surf Coast is even brighter with the official opening of a new pitch at Banyul-Warri Fields.

Surf Coast Shire Mayor Cr Libby Stapleton joined Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney MP and hockey representatives and players to officially open Torquay’s new hockey pitch on 10 December 2025.

The project is funded through the Victorian Government's $550 million Regional Sports Infrastructure Program. The new pitch is home to the Torquay Hockey Club and features a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly Poligras Platinum World Cup synthetic surface, 500 lux LED lighting, electronic scoreboard, sheltered seating and a new car park.

Watch what the new facility means to Torquay Hockey Club

The pitch has been made even more special thanks to local Wadawurrung artist Billy-Jay (BJ) O’Toole

BJ created a specially-designed artwork stitched into the hockey pitch surface. His design incorporates handprints as a symbol of connection and togetherness between the players, with a ‘U’ between spears and boomerangs representing the strength of the members of the club where all are welcome.

First Nations artist Billy-Jay O'Toole with his artwork, to be stitched into Banyul-Warri Fields Hockey Pitch.jpg

The Banyul-Warri Fields hockey pitch has been delivered by Council in partnership Sport and Recreation Victoria. It is one of 16 projects being delivered through the Victorian Government’s Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, which includes five projects in the Surf Coast and Geelong region. Other major investments in the region include Stage 2 of the Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Torquay.

Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney MP said:

“This is an exciting day for hockey lovers and sports fans right across the Surf Coast and the greater Geelong region. These state-of-the-art facilities - delivered months ahead of schedule - will give local players, families and volunteers a place they can truly be proud of. I can’t wait to see the Torquay Hockey community make this pitch their own.

“We are so proud to see the results of our significant investment into sports infrastructure across Victoria that is helping our regional cities and towns become even better places to live, work, stay and play.”

Surf Coast Shire Mayor Cr Libby Stapleton said:

“The hockey pitch is a welcome addition to the busy Banyul-Warri Fields precinct, which continues to grow as an important place for community connections and wellbeing.

“Huge thanks to the Victorian Government for teaming up with us on this project.”

Torquay Tornadoes Hockey Club Vice President Andrew Crowley said:

“Torquay Hockey Club sincerely thanks the Victorian State Government for funding the new Banyul-Warri Fields hockey facility, and the Surf Coast Shire for delivering this exceptional community asset. We also thank Hockey Australia, Hockey Victoria and Hockey Geelong for their ongoing support in helping hockey thrive on the Surf Coast.”

“With the Shire’s long-term support, we’ve grown from one junior team in 2010 to a strong club across women’s, men’s, and junior competitions. Our world class new home is a true game changer for our members and the broader community.”