MEMBER for Lyne Dr David Gillespie praised the ‘team effort’ associated with the construction of Manning Hockey Association’s third synthetic surface field and extensions to its clubhouse.
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Dr Gillespie was speaking at the official opening of the field and extensions at Taree Hockey Centre.
He said the work was made possible through a $780,000 federal government grant secured by the association, along with funds from the hockey association, Greater Taree and now MidCoast Council and the Manning Valley Cycle Club. The cycle club now has a permanent headquarters in the hockey clubhouse, enabling it to host major events.
Dr Gillespie also described Taree Recreation Centre as ‘the jewel in the crown of the Manning Valley.’
Work started on the extensions and the third field last year.
Manning Hockey treasurer Doug Davidson recalled the work done by the sport's pioneers in this area, led by Allan ‘Tate’ Taylor in establishing hockey fields at the recreation centre in the early 1960s.
Mayor, Cr David West, praised the hockey association for the ‘tenacity in pursuing funds’ to construct the field and clubhouse.
Hockey has been played in the Manning for more than 50 years. We’ve produced and we will continue to produce players who have made it to the highest level in our game
- Manning Hockey Association president Debbie Monck
“These things just don’t happen. It has to be driven,’’ Cr West added.
Manning Hockey president Debbie Monck praised the vision of previous board members in looking to improve amenities for the sport.
“Hockey has been played in the Manning for more than 50 years. We’ve produced and we will continue to produce players who have made it to the highest level in our game,’’ she added.
“There’s been a lot of hard yakka by a lot of officials to achieve that.’’
Hockey NSW chief executive David Thompson confirmed the association will host State championships for the next three years. He spoke of the success of the State under 13 girl’s championships held last month, where 43 sides were involved. The three turf fields were all in play for that weekend.
While all this was going on junior games were being played on the three turf fields. Even younger players were involved in the minkey program. Lilliiana Williams, 12, performed the Welcome to Country ceremony to start the official proceedings and then bounded off to play a match.
Manning Hockey’s first turf field – known as the Allan Taylor Field, came into play in 1988. The second, named in honour of long serving treasurer Terry Launders, was opened in 2000. Debbie Monck told the Times last week no decision has been made on the name for the third field.
She said the association will seek the thoughts of members during the off-season before determining the name of the third turf, adding it could be named after an individual or the association might look to sell the naming rights.
