A brand-new chapter for hockey in Sydney’s north-west is underway, and Bankstown Sports is proud to be part of the story. 

The recently opened Central Playing Fields in Gables, a state-of-the-art sport and recreation precinct developed by Stockland in partnership with The Hills Shire Council, is now home to one of the region’s premier hockey facilities. The project received over $11.2 million in grant funding through the State’s Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) program, with the total value of the land and base infrastructure coming in at $3.28 million. 

This purpose-built complex includes: 

• Two synthetic hockey pitches (water-based and hybrid sand-based) 

• A synthetic warm-up pitch 

• A new clubhouse with changerooms, canteen, umpire rooms, and a function space 

• A skate park, basketball and tennis courts, and family-friendly playground facilities 

In late 2023, Baulkham Hills Sports Club (Bankstown Sports Club) lodged a successful Expression of Interest to become the anchor tenant of the hockey facility — securing a long-term home for two of its affiliated clubs: Norwest Strikers Hockey Club and The Hills Hockey Club. These clubs have long been without a dedicated home ground, often relying on temporary venues season-to-season. 

Thanks to the partnership, over 1300 hours of annual usage has now been secured at the venue for these clubs. Baulkham Hills Sports Club has also committed more than $500,000 over the next five years to support ongoing operational costs at the facility — a significant step toward long-term sustainability and growth for local hockey. 

In addition, the club has invested $80,000 to install two electronic scoreboards and over $20,000 worth of equipment and furnishings including tables, chairs, fridges, and canteen equipment to help establish a welcoming and functional home for players, volunteers, and supporters alike. 

Bankstown Sports and Community Partnership Manager, Michael Hanratty says “this development is a game changer for the sport of hockey in the Hills Shire and surrounding areas. The genuine pathway from participation to high performance now has an official home that can help foster emerging talent in one of the fastest growing areas in greater Sydney”.