Tom Ingleton
Hockey lovers in Craigieburn could soon have more room to play, with plans for a second pitch at the Hume Hockey and Lacrosse Centre on the cards if federal Labor is re-elected next month.
Labor has pleged $1.9 million to fund a second synthetic at the Craigieburn facility.
The commitment, announced by Labor’s candidate for Calwell, Basem Abdo, aims to address the rapid growth of local hockey.
The funding would go towards a full-sized synthetic pitch, LED sports lighting, benches, fencing, and storage, delivered in partnership with Hume council.
Since its opening in 2018, the Hume Hockey Centre has quickly become home to three clubs –the Hume Hockey Club, Craigieburn Falcons Hockey Club, and United Khalsa Hockey Club.
With increasing demand, local teams have outgrown the single-pitch setup, highlighting the need for expansion.
Mr Abdo said the new pitch would be a “game changer” for the area.
“I know the huge benefit that sports clubs bring to our community,” Mr Abdo said.
“We’ve seen huge growth in the popularity of hockey at Calwell over recent years, and this second pitch will help the Hume Hockey Centre to keep up with that growing demand.”
