Hockey Queensland Indigenous Communities Hockey Program
Introducing hockey into isolated communities in far north Queensland was a huge challenge for Hockey Queensland. Sport and recreation opportunities are limited in these regions and many children had not even heard of hockey, let alone know how to play.
The project was made possible thanks to special initiative funding provided under the Queensland Government's State Development Program, which is administered by Sport and Recreation Queensland (SRQ).
How did the project come about?
The Remote and Indigenous Communities Hockey Program is one of many development programs that Hockey Queensland has implemented in recent years. The project came about as a result of Hockey Queensland staff identifying the lack of knowledge of the sport in the Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape York regions, and the enormous growth potential that this presented.
What are the program's main goals?
It is hoped the benefits of the program will be twofold. The first is that community members will embrace the sport and become involved in delivering local-level programs. Secondly, it is hoped that local competitions will help Hockey Queensland identify talented players and provide them with a pathway to improve their skills at a higher level.
How did Hockey Queensland put its plans into action?
The project team thought it best to link the introduction of hockey with existing sporting events in the region. They first arrived in the Gulf region with sticks and balls in hand for an introductory skills session during a regional schools basketball carnival at Kurumba. The links with events such as this have continued to grow as part of an eight-week annual development program covering everything from participation initiatives in schools to providing education and training for prospective coaches. Hockey Queensland has also made significant inroads in Cape York communities and established links with competitions including the annual Croc Festival at Cooktown and the Coral Sea Classic in Cairns.
What obstacles has the Hockey Queensland project team had to overcome?
The team found that a great deal of mistrust came as a result of other so-called 'do-gooders' visiting local towns, promising great things but never returning nor producing the goods. Working closely with local elders and parents was vital to getting the project up and running but the scepticism remained until the team returned to the region a year after their initial visit. The trust gained as a result of this follow-up visit enabled the project team to effectively implement subsequent stages of the program.
What lessons have been learnt as a result of the program?
Hockey Queensland approached the challenge by involving entire communities to gain acceptance for what they were doing. Gaining approval and support from elders, parents and school teachers has been critical to the success of the project.
What advice does the council have for other organisations wishing to introduce their sport in remote areas?
Hockey Queensland believes working closely with the local people from the 'target' communities is the key to the success of initiatives such as the Remote and Indigenous Communities Hockey Program. Following up on any promises that are made during this 'integrated planning approach' is vital, as is laying foundations contributing to long-term sustainability. One vital consideration is to develop locally based coaches and administrators who can take over the management of development programs after they are up and running. Perhaps most importantly, persistence in the face of the many obstacles that arise is paramount to successfully implementing programs such as this.
Want more information?
For more information about the Remote and Indigenous Communities Hockey Program phone Hockey Queensland on (07) 3399 6577.
The project was made possible thanks to special initiative funding provided under the Queensland Government's State Development Program, which is administered by Sport and Recreation Queensland (SRQ).
How did the project come about?
The Remote and Indigenous Communities Hockey Program is one of many development programs that Hockey Queensland has implemented in recent years. The project came about as a result of Hockey Queensland staff identifying the lack of knowledge of the sport in the Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape York regions, and the enormous growth potential that this presented.
What are the program's main goals?
It is hoped the benefits of the program will be twofold. The first is that community members will embrace the sport and become involved in delivering local-level programs. Secondly, it is hoped that local competitions will help Hockey Queensland identify talented players and provide them with a pathway to improve their skills at a higher level.
How did Hockey Queensland put its plans into action?
The project team thought it best to link the introduction of hockey with existing sporting events in the region. They first arrived in the Gulf region with sticks and balls in hand for an introductory skills session during a regional schools basketball carnival at Kurumba. The links with events such as this have continued to grow as part of an eight-week annual development program covering everything from participation initiatives in schools to providing education and training for prospective coaches. Hockey Queensland has also made significant inroads in Cape York communities and established links with competitions including the annual Croc Festival at Cooktown and the Coral Sea Classic in Cairns.
What obstacles has the Hockey Queensland project team had to overcome?
The team found that a great deal of mistrust came as a result of other so-called 'do-gooders' visiting local towns, promising great things but never returning nor producing the goods. Working closely with local elders and parents was vital to getting the project up and running but the scepticism remained until the team returned to the region a year after their initial visit. The trust gained as a result of this follow-up visit enabled the project team to effectively implement subsequent stages of the program.
What lessons have been learnt as a result of the program?
Hockey Queensland approached the challenge by involving entire communities to gain acceptance for what they were doing. Gaining approval and support from elders, parents and school teachers has been critical to the success of the project.
What advice does the council have for other organisations wishing to introduce their sport in remote areas?
Hockey Queensland believes working closely with the local people from the 'target' communities is the key to the success of initiatives such as the Remote and Indigenous Communities Hockey Program. Following up on any promises that are made during this 'integrated planning approach' is vital, as is laying foundations contributing to long-term sustainability. One vital consideration is to develop locally based coaches and administrators who can take over the management of development programs after they are up and running. Perhaps most importantly, persistence in the face of the many obstacles that arise is paramount to successfully implementing programs such as this.
Want more information?
For more information about the Remote and Indigenous Communities Hockey Program phone Hockey Queensland on (07) 3399 6577.
