Mark Sawle, Headmaster of Aquinas College has announced that with generous financial support of members of Old Aquinians Hockey Club the College will develop an International standard synthetic turf for the exclusive use of hockey students at Aquinas and members of Old Aquinians Hockey Club. It is envisaged that construction will commence at the end of September 2008 and will be completed prior to Christmas. The Hockey Turf Project has two stages.
STAGE 1
1. The installation of a synthetic hockey surface immediately in front of the Hockey Pavilion and;
2. Relocating and resurfacing the existing Kennedy Oval which will provide two grass fields.
STAGE 2
Refurbishing of the current Hockey Pavilion which has 4 key components :
(a) integration between Club rooms and playing fields which will provide an exceptional viewing concourse for supporters and spectators.
(b) provision of a new entrance to the Club Rooms with adjoining male and female toilets.
(c) provision of a new change room
(d) new kitchen and bar amenities
This is an exciting development which will again put Aquinas at the forefront of WA Hockey. Our school 1st 11’s under the guidance of Paul Gaudoin, former Australian Captain and Olympian and Captain Aran Zalewski, current Australian School Boys Representative are leading the PSA competition. Our Wizard Cup, Premier 2’s and Premier Alliance teams under the guidance of Charles Gaudoin, Brad Ward and Matthew Jones are making significant improvement so Season 2009 with a new turf will provide exceptional facilities to further develop our sport.
Our Red Chickens (women’s teams) coached by John Davidson have had their most successful season on record and our Junior Program co-ordinated by Peter Crowe and assisted by John Davidson are also making tremendous inroads.
We need your financial support. Please click on the new turf tab to view copies of plans and approvals and schematic drawings of the hockey development.
As of the 1st August we have raised $980,000.00 in direct contributions and donations from Club members. The Club has further provided a cash bond to the College to cover any shortfall in fundraising to achieve the full cost of Stage 1 of this development estimated to be $1.2M. It is envisaged that if every hockey supporter made some level of contribution we will be close to completing the project both Stage 1 and 2 prior to Season 2009. Wouldn’t it be great to come to the College, play hockey on a World class facility and enjoy the comfort of unobstructed vision, shelter from the wind, rain and sun enjoying the amenities of a new kitchen and bar in a congenial environment to mingle with fellow players and supporters.
It is envisaged that the Club will be able to host Wizard Cup Fixtures on our home ground providing a spectacle for the wider Aquinas community and particular members of the Boarding community. There will be considerable advantages to students of the College who will be able to train along side current and former Australian representatives such as Des Abbott - Olympian Beijing, Steve Mowlam – Goal Keeper, Gold Medallist Athens Olympics and Ian Smyth former Australian Representative.
All donations are tax deductible. Cheques should be made out to the Australian Sports Foundation and returned to the Secretary of Old Aquinians Hockey Club. The Australian Sports Foundation Donation Form needs to be completed and signed in order to receive the appropriate tax deduction. You will receive recognition for your contribution in due course.
I wish to thank Mark Sawle, Headmaster of Aquinas College, Peter Shaw Director of Finance and Peter Robertson Director of Development who have been instrumental in progressing this project. I would also like to acknowledge the strong support of our Patron, Brother Pat Kelly and the leadership of the Christian Brothers WA Inc. who have granted approval for this development. Dennis Banks, Chairman of the College Board and fellow Board Members have been supportive. I would also like to acknowledge the advice and support provided by the Australian Sports Foundation who have approved and supported this Project since its inception.
Finally but not least a special word of thanks to those Club Members and supporters who have already contributed to the current fund raising efforts of $980,000.00. Without your fantastic support this project would not have proceeded.
Please, download the Donation Form, sign it, attach a cheque and post it to the Secretary, Old Aquinians Hockey Club, PO Box 1191, Bentley DC 6983. Should you have any queries and wish to speak to me I can be contacted through my Personal Assistant Gaye on 9430 4488 during working hours or after hours on 0418 944 700. If you leave a message with Gaye I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Yours sincerely,
Kind regards
Hannes Gebauer
Project Chairman
Download Donation Form click here