A Torquay hockey pitch will help inspire important conversations between players thanks to the work of a Wadawurrung artist.
Banyul-Warri Fields Hockey Pitch will feature artwork by Wadawurrung man Billy-Jay O’Toole when construction is completed next month.
Mr O’Toole said he was glad that the new pitch would feature the same artwork he had previously designed for Torquay Hockey Club’s jerseys during NAIDOC Week in 2022.
“It means we can start conversations about cultural stories and connections, and people can acknowledge the Country they’re on,” he said.
“Given the artwork was completed for Torquay Tornadoes for NAIDOC Week, and it now gets to be part of their home facility, it is really special.
“It’s also about providing further opportunities for people to ask questions, and it might encourage others to have First Nations designs in workplaces, sporting clubs and other community facilities.
“The U (in the artwork) between the spears and boomerang represents the strength of the men and women in a club where all genders are welcome, and the big U in the centre represents the hockey club as one big family.”
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said it was great to see Wadawurrung talent featured “so prominently” at the new fields.
“His artwork will give everyone who visits the new hockey facilities a sense of welcome, pride and connection to Wadawurrung Country,” she said.
“This is exactly what our investment in regional sports infrastructure is all about: backing community, inclusion and the stories that make places like Torquay so special.”
Works at the Banyul-Warri Fields started in April this year to deliver a new hockey pitch, sports lighting, electronic scoreboard, spectator shelter and seating, along with a new car park.
