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Labor Government Bags Another Major Sporting Event

15 March 2016

Australia’s men’s and women’s hockey stars will take on the world’s best when Victoria hosts another major event later this year.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren today announced Victoria would host the latest meeting of the world’s premier hockey nations, the Hockey Australia International Tournament.

The Andrews Labor Government has secured exclusive rights to host the International Hockey Federation-endorsed tournament to be played in Victoria for the next three years. The Test matches will be played at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Parkville, while two men’s Tests will be held in regional Victoria.

The Kookaburras will welcome their fierce rivals when India joins Malaysia Down Under, while a fourth nation will be confirmed at a later date. The Hockeyroos will take on India in a three-match Test series.

Victorians enjoy playing hockey, and they love getting behind our national stars, the Kookaburras and the Hockeyroos. Australia is a giant of the international arena – the Kookaburras are ranked Number 1 in the world, and the Hockeyroos sit third.

Victoria has a proud history of hosting the big hockey tournaments. We took centre stage for the 2006 Commonwealth Games, and again in 2009 and 2012 at the FIH Champions Trophy. The 2012 event delivered a $7 million economic benefit to Victoria.

Victoria’s major events contribute $1.8 billion to the economy every year. That’s why the Labor Government wants to grow our impressive calendar. The Government’s 2015-16 Victorian Budget includes an extra $80 million towards the events war chest, perfectly positioning Victoria to secure the biggest and best events.

The 2016 Hockey Australia International Tournament begins on November 23.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren

“Victorians love watching the Kookaburras and the Hockeyroos wear the green and gold. This is a rare chance to see our nation’s top players against the best in the world.”

“We’re thrilled to be taking two Tests to a regional centre, because we know the big sporting events mean big benefits for regional economies.”

“These are the types of events we want in Victoria, because they mean jobs and a stronger economy.”

Quotes attributable to Hockey Australia Chief Executive Cam Vale

“The festival of hockey in Melbourne will be the highest profile event the sport has seen in Australia since the Champions Trophy in 2012, allowing us to showcase the sport and our partnership with India to the nation and the rest of the world.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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