Young members help shape future artwork at Stead Park Hockey Facility

Junior hockey players are helping shape the future of Stead Park, taking part in a special young members workshop led by Wadawurrung woman, artist and hockey player Chloe Chatterton.

Held recently at the existing Stead Park hockey pavilion, the workshop brought together junior members of Hockey Geelong for an afternoon of culture, creativity and connection.

Chloe opened the session with a Welcome to Country, sharing her story as a Wadawurrung woman and her work as both an artist and a long-time hockey player. She introduced the group to elements of her artwork, explaining the meaning behind different shapes, symbols and patterns, and how these reflect Wadawurrung culture and Country.

The young players were then invited to reflect on two questions:

1. What does Geelong mean to me?
2. What does Hockey Geelong mean to me?

Their answers sparked conversations about community, belonging, teamwork and the pride they feel representing their region. Using those reflections, the young members created their own artworks, drawing on the cultural symbols Chloe had shared earlier.

Chloe will return to Stead Park in the coming weeks to share a new artwork , inspired by the young members’ designs. The group will then review the piece together and agree on any final changes to ensure it reflects their ideas and stories.

The final artwork will then be incorporated across a range spaces in and around the new Stead Park hockey pavilion, creating a shared sense of connection for the club members throughout the facility. Potential opportunities include features on the field of play light poles, window graphics in the meeting room, screening along the pitch fence facing the carpark, and graphics along the main concourse.

The young members’ enthusiasm and creativity are helping shape a welcoming, culturally informed space for the next generation of hockey players, strengthening the connection between Stead Park, local families and the broader Geelong community.

Learn more about the Stead Park Hockey Facilities project.