The NSW Masters Hockey competition has contributed $1.8 million to the Goulburn economy, a report has revealed.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This marks the second year of a three-year partnership between Hockey NSW and Goulburn Mulwaree Council.
The council’s budget for the championship was $28,500.
A total of 37 women’s and 17 men’s teams played across the six indoor state championships at the Veolia Arena over 2016/17
Around 486 players participated, often bringing family or friends.
“Hockey NSW would like to thank Goulburn Mulwaree Council for their continued support of Hockey NSW, as well as their support for the local Goulburn Hockey Association,” Hockey NSW chief executive David Thompson said.
“Overall, the championships were a huge success and Hockey NSW looks forward to working with Goulburn Mulwaree Council and the Veolia Arena in the coming years.”
Findings released in the latest Goulburn Mulwaree Council business paper supported a correlation between the championship and increased accommodation, with many places “busy on the weekend”.
Goulburn Mulwaree Council’s marketing, events and culture manager, Sarah Ruberto, said the council expected to generate this high figure based on the estimated players and guests.
“The economic contribution events like these make to the local economy is significant,” Ms Ruberto said.
“It allows us to showcase not only our sporting venues, but our cafes, restaurants and experiences on offer here in the region.”
Players in the tournament received a welcome bag with key information on Goulburn and included suggested activities for their free time.
“You never know who is looking for a short break, a tree change or an investment property,” Ms Ruberto said.
Despite the benefit and “relatively simple” acquisition of information from Tourism Research Australia, translating a methodology to different events carried uncertainty.
“It is always hard to measure the economic impact,” Ms Ruberto said when asked whether Goulburn could host more, similar events.
“[For] other events we do not know exact numbers. With events such as the Masters Hockey, we know exactly how many teams and players and where they have travelled from.”
The council will sit for their next meeting on Tuesday, March 21 at 6pm, in the council chambers.