Local Artists to shape Australia’s world-class hockey High Performance Centre of Excellence
Published Tue 26 Aug 2025
Hockey Australia has welcomed the WA Government’s announcement that local artists Jon Tarry and James Morton, in collaboration with Noongar Elder Sharyn Egan, have been awarded the $576,000 public art contract for the $163 million Australian Hockey Centre.
The new Centre is set to commence construction in early 2026 and is predicted to be arguably the best hockey facility in the world.
The WA Government’s investment compliments Hockey Australia's commitment to the reconciliation journey. Aiming to reflect the diverse communities within hockey, showcasing the expertise of local Nyoongar artist Sharyn Egan will provide an opportunity to ensure hockey is a vehicle for connecting to Country and culture in Boorloo.
The purpose-built facility will remain Australia’s home of hockey for the next 18 years, providing all-round support both for events and athletes, both on and off the pitch. This includes sustainability features, unmatched technology, and a key focus on athlete wellbeing, assisting the Australian national men’s and women’s teams’ ability to remain amongst the top rungs of the international hockey stage.
Hockey Australia CEO David Pryles said the investment in art under the WA Government’s Percent for Art Scheme creates an important cultural connection at the new facility.
“Hockey’s High Performance Centre of Excellence is not just about becoming a world-class facility, it’s about creating a place that connects athletes, fans and the broader community, while prioritising welfare both on and off the pitch,” Mr Pryles said.
“Integrating artwork from WA’s leading artists into the precinct is a powerful way of honouring the sport, its history and culture, all while inspiring the next generation of Australia’s best.”
Once complete, the High Performance Centre of Excellence will feature an indoor hockey centre, four outdoor pitches, a main stadium with capacity for 10,000 spectators, and modern broadcast capabilities.
The delivery of the new Centre is part of PlayOn WA, the State Government’s long-term initiative to invest in community sport and recreation infrastructure across Western Australia through to 2030.
Hockey Australia congratulates artists Jon Tarry, James Morton and Sharyn Egan on their appointment and thanks the WA Government for its vision and commitment to building a facility that will support hockey from grassroots through to the international stage.
