More than fifteen years of hard work came to fruition for the Southern Highlands Hockey Association on Sunday.
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The clubs celebrated the completion of its long-awaited second hockey field at Welby.
Association members thanked Steve Bedson, Glen Isedale, David Mackay and Sandra Sharpe for their contributions to the project, as members of the turf committee for more than 15 years.
To their surprise, it was revealed the fields would be named the Mackey Sharpe Field and the Bedson Isedale Field to honour their dedication to the project.
The new turf has already proven to be beneficial to the club.
Southern Highlands Hockey Association president Paul Sabatier said 10 additional teams had signed up to play in the senior competitions this year.
"Older and returning members are coming back to play on the new surface because it's such a high standard," Sabatier said.
"[The new turf] is easier on the body which means people can play at any age."
The major additions to the centre are worth $1.4 million.
Work includes the construction of a competition standard wet and dry hybrid synthetic grass hockey surface with shock pad.
Other facilities added in the project include the installation of player dugouts and erection of LED lighting and spectator mounds.
Funding for the project has been made possible via a combination of grant funding from the NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities Fund, ClubGrants Infrastructure Grants Program and the Australian Sports Commission Community Sport Infrastructure Grant.
This is in conjunction with cash reserves from the Southern Highlands Hockey Association.
An interest-free loan was also provided by Wingecarribee Shire Council to expedite the project.
Sabatier said the association would continue to accept new players this week.
"It's not too late people can sign up. Register on website with one of our seven clubs," he said. The hockey season starts this week and the club welcomes both junior and senior players.
Details: https://www.revolutionise.com.au/shh