Gallery | Shepparton sports precinct sets scene for Vaisakhi hockey festival

Apr 1, 2025

Millie Higgins was getting among the occasion on the smurf turf. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

The Shepparton sports precinct plays host to all types of occasions — most recently, a culturally-themed hockey showcase.

Flaming Flamingos' Charlotte Stevens takes off on a run. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Saturday brought the heat to the affectionately named smurf turf, where 18 teams from local regions and beyond converged in the north end of town to take part in the Vaisakhi hockey festival.

Aussie Punjabis' Satta Sandhu and Flaming Flamingos' Tayah Irwin almost tangle in a contest. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

The event was a bumper hit-out for competitors near and far, with the Goulburn Valley Hockey Association at the forefront of organisation alongside the Sikh Alliance of Shepparton and Hockey Victoria.

There was plenty of interest in the cultural exhibition out beyond the white line. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Aussie Punjabis' Karmu Gill Manuel and Flaming Flamingos' Riley Law get after it out wide. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe was on hand to take in the festivities, continuing a run of weekend appearances which saw her among other local representatives at the Shepp Feathers badminton tournament a week prior.

The food trucks earned their share of attention all the same. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

BCA Red's Elke Williams and Pelicans' Aidan Hamill go to contest the ball. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

BCA Red's Elke Williams and Pelicans' Zara Noonan enter a foot race on the flank. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Running the whole day, there was plenty to enjoy on the pitches, but arguably just as much off it, as cultural markings and demonstrations combined with food trucks to provide a distinctly Indian flavour to the occasion.