BEVERIDGE will soon be home to Victoria’s newest high-performance hockey program, with the launch of the Melbourne Cobras hockey franchise marking an exciting milestone for sport in the region.
The launch event for the team on Wednesday, March 11 brought together community members, sporting representatives and government leaders to celebrate the establishment of the franchise and its future home in Mitchell Shire.
The launch confirmed the Cobras will join the Hockey One competition from the upcoming season onwards, fielding men’s and women’s teams.
The club logo was also launched, as well as a partnership with La Trobe University, as plans are afoot to build the home of the Cobras, located in Kalkallo.
From 2026 to 2028, the Cobras will play home games at the State Netball Hockey Centre in Parkville, while also playing a home game in Bendigo in 2026 and 2027, before Cobra Stadium is built.
On a big day for the club, they also announced the first ambassadors to the club.
Men’s Olympian Rupinder Pal Singh, a member of the Indian team that won bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, was named as the men’s ambassador.
Women’s hockey legend Rani Rampal was named as the first women’s ambassador for the Cobras, having previously captained her country and helped India secure a fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Games.
Among those attending the launch was Consul General of India, Anish Rajan, alongside representatives from Hockey Victoria, Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall and Mitchell Shire Council CEO Mary Agostino and representatives from other partner organisations.
The Melbourne Cobras will play a key role in developing elite hockey talent in Victoria and will be based in Mitchell Shire, strengthening the region’s growing reputation as a destination for sport and recreation.
The initiative builds on the partnership previously announced between Mitchell Shire Council and Hockey Victoria to explore the development of a new multipurpose sporting facility in Beveridge.
The proposed facility would support both community participation and high-performance sport, creating opportunities for local players to connect with elite pathways while also providing infrastructure to support the region’s rapid growth.
Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell’s commitment of $500,000 to support the Cobras program through Hockey Victoria has helped make the initiative possible.
Council is continuing to work alongside partner organisations to progress planning for the future multipurpose sporting facility in Beveridge.
The project is identified within the Lockerbie Precinct Structure Plan and is proposed to be located near the Shire’s southern boundary, east of the Hume Freeway.
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said Council was pleased to see Mitchell Shire become the home base for the Melbourne Cobras.
“Mitchell Shire is one of Victoria’s fastest growing regions, and it’s fantastic to see initiatives like this helping expand opportunities for sport and recreation in our community,” he said.
“We’re proud that Mitchell Shire will be the home of the Cobras and look forward to seeing the program grow and inspire the next generation of players.
“Mitchell Shire is, and will continue to be, a Shire that builds sport – supporting participation from grassroots community players right through to elite athletes.
“We are committed to investing in the facilities and opportunities that bring people together, strengthen community connections and inspire the next generation.”