Artwork to spark conversations at Banyul-Warri Fields
Published: 7 November 2025Banyul-Warri Fields’ connection to Wadawurrung Country will be honoured with a new artwork stitched into the Poligras Platinum World Cup synthetic hockey surface.
After wearing the jerseys, designed by Wadawurrung artist Billy-Jay (BJ) O’Toole for NAIDOC Week in 2022, the Torquay Hockey Club proposed to have the artwork permanently stitched into the run-off area of the new Banyul-Warri Fields Hockey Pitch in Torquay.
BJ shared the story behind the design, describing the handprints as a symbol of connection and togetherness between the players.
'The U between the spears and boomerang represents the strength of the men and women in a club where all genders are welcome,' he said.
'The big U in the centre represents the hockey club as one big family, players, sponsors, volunteers and community.
'Given the artwork was completed for the Torquay Tornadoes for NAIDOC Week and it now gets to be part of their home facility, it’s really special,' BJ said.
Funded through the Victorian Government’s Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, works at the Banyul-Warri Fields began in April 2025, delivering a new hockey pitch, lighting, scoreboard and spectator seating, along with a new car park. Installation of the synthetic grass has been completed with the hockey field set to officially open in December.
The venue will be home to the Torquay Hockey Club, which is excited to welcome a local facility to play and train on.
For more information about the program visit the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program.