Players of all ages are being selected for representative teams, the local competition is running as smoothly as a well-struck shot on the Welby synthetic pitch and, with the Australian's men's national side grabbing gold in Athens, the code is set to experience a boom across the country.

Now, with the Highlands competition finals about to get underway, the Southern Highlands Hockey Association will officially open the Welby Hockey Centre on September 18.

The date chosen for the "unveiling" of local hockey's jewel couldn't have been more appropriate, with a number of junior grand finals and senior finals being held throughout the day.

These season deciders will commence at 8.30am and the official opening ceremony will take place at midday.

"With some big games being played on that day, we thought it would be a good way to showcase our sport in conjunction with the opening," Southern Highlands Hockey Association president Mark Chadwick said of the decision to select September 18. "Hopefully the community will come along and support the event and the game."

After the opening, which will be attended by local government officials and various hockey sponsors, there will be a minkey demonstration and a number of senior finals matches.

Full story in Wednesday's Southern Highland News.