Rockhampton Secures International Tournament

Published on 01 August 2018

Rockhampton has been awarded the hosting rights for the Oceania Cup and the InterContinental Hockey5s in 2019.

The Oceania Cup, last hosted in Sydney in 2017, is an international men’s and women’s hockey competition held every two years. It will attract Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Islander hockey teams to the region and is an opportunity for teams to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.  

Mayor Margaret Strelow said the tournament would bring significant economic benefits to the region.

“For our region to be hosting a major international sporting competition is absolutely fantastic. I want to commend the Rockhampton Hockey Association for putting their hand up for this. They have, and will continue to, put in a huge amount of time and effort to bring international sports stars to our doorstep, and for that we are very grateful,” Mayor Strelow said.

“Spectators will travel here from across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands to watch some of the world’s best hockey players compete. They will need places to stay, to eat, and have fun, and businesses across our region will receive a real economic boost from that.

“We have made so many incredible improvements recently, including the stunning Riverside Precinct and the soon to be opened Kershaw Gardens, so I am sure spectators will enjoy the hockey and a lot more besides while they are here.”

Rockhampton Regional Council supported the Rockhampton Hockey Association with $50,000 toward their successful bid, and Chair of Parks and Recreation Councillor Cherie Rutherford said it is an example of how local clubs and Council can work together to secure game changing events.

“The Rockhampton Hockey Association came to us with a really strong case, and we were delighted to support this bid,” Cr Rutherford said.

“We have a proud hockey history here in Rockhampton as the birth place of outstanding players like Kim Ireland, Matt Gohdes, Jamie Dwyer and Mark Knowles. It’s fantastic to think that some of the local youngsters who attend this tournament may well be inspired to carve out a career of their own.

“The competition will also be a great training ground for umpires, tournament officials and volunteers.”

Barbara Knowles, President of the Rockhampton Hockey Association, said the association was incredibly excited to host the cup and that the timing couldn’t be better.

“Rockhampton has always been passionate about hockey with a vision to bring more state, national, and international tournaments to the city,” Mrs Knowles said.

“With strong support from Rockhampton Regional Council, as well as State and Federal Governments, a second international standard synthetic turf field is being constructed.

“What wonderful timing to be given the opportunity to showcase our new facilities and display the warm hospitality this Region will provide.”

More information on the Oceania Hockey Federation can be found here.