Brisbane Women HA

After a difficult 2020 due to COVID, 2021 BWHA player numbers grew back to near pre-pandemic levels. BWHA continued to provide filming of matches during the season for the greater hockey community and this led to FIH taking up our games for their media station. BWHA continued to work with BHA to create a more cohesive hockey offering in Brisbane through Hockey Brisbane Inc, conducting the first Opening Gala Day in 2021 at the SHC, an event where all 10 Division 1/PL1 games (5 men & 5 women) where played as a stand alone event to launch the Brisbane Hockey Season. This was made an event with food trucks, an animal farm, junior engagement and Club Mascot activities. BWHA continued to partner with BHA and KWSC to further develop the hockey facilities at Brisbane North Hockey centre, Burringbar Park.

Cairns HA

Cairns Hockey Association bounced back from COVID and increased its membership base. Cairns Hockey operations and Board developed and delivered in 2021 their new strategic plan 2021-2024, Operational plan, Infrastructure plan, Constitution and Play Hockey Plan. Cairns Hockey also delivered two school carnivals, a primary (30 primary school teams) and secondary (14 secondary school teams) carnival. Over 260 new players were exposed to hockey. Cairns Hockey successfully delivered our Hookin2Hockey clinics and programs into 34 Cairns schools, engaging over 1600 participants to hockey. Cairns Hockey delivered our social hockey format - Social Sixes - all year, and Cairns Hockey celebrated our first Indigenous Round with all clubs involved in cultural workshops, celebrations and each club wore specially designed singlets. Cairns Hockey Aspire to be Deadly Program engaged over 3000 participants from Thursday Island, to Cairns to engage in live well, lead well and learn well programs. These include hockey, empowerments and health well being programs. Cairns Hockey successfully delivered three carnivals, Open School boys championships, Great Barrier Reef Masters and the 60's Masters Carnival. Cairns Hockey welcomed 6 new sponsors on board and successfully delivered the All Stars competition (non club based preseason competition) which included 8 Junior teams and 8 Senior teams. 326 Cairns players participated in the Hockey QLD State championships for both outdoor and indoor. 23 Cairns members achieved accreditation for officiating and 67 players participated in the Cairns Hockey academy programs. Cairns Hockey Academy programs engaged the services of Professor Glen Deakin to deliver strength and conditioning programs to our athletes. Please find below the link to our Annual Report 2021.  

Mackay HA

MHA has continued to grow in strength and numbers each year with 794 currently registered members. Through successful grant applications MHA was able to install a brand new turf last year and will upgrade the club house this year. MHA has hosted 2 indoor state championships for the last 2 years and will also host the U15 outdoor Championship this year. Through the success of our High performance Academy, led by Tracy Belbin,  Mackay has had several members go on to  Queensland teams. In 2021 Mackay had 20 players selected in Queensland teams, this year to date we have already had 12 players selected in Queensland team. MHA has been instrumental in the development of Claire Colwill, recently selected in the Hockeroo squad. Mackay has several players named in the Australian Indoor Squads recently named. Over the last 6 months MHA has had our Junior development Officers, Declan Mulherin and Emily Herrington visit most schools in the regions rolling out the Hook in2 Hockey program and therefore securing good junior numbers for the continued growth and development of the sport.

Maryborough HA

The Maryborough Hockey Association has worked hard to improve the Associations governance and administration, by changing the structure of our committees and their make up to better represent the roles and responsibilities required to achieve the best results for our Association. As a result of this, we stood up a dedicated Facilities management team which in the last five years has generated close to 1 million dollars through grants, sponsorship and in kind support for facility upgrade and maintenance programs. These programs have provided significant opportunities in the development of players and volunteers and in community engagement. The MDHA has hosted 11 State Indoor Championships over the last 3 years, with over 30 players, officials and volunteers going on to represent at a State level. Whether it's for our local competition or during these State Championships, the MDHA engage with local councillors, State and Federal members, business owners and the wider community to raise the profile of our Association, our sport and our town with the objective to have more people playing hockey.

Toowoomba HA

THA worked tirelessly to bounce back from the 2020 Covid break:
-    Recruiting new participants
-    Re-engaging former players
-    Promoting hockey
-    Providing opportunities for exisiting members

Local Schools:
-    Recruited 83 players for Hookin2Hockey - 43 more than 2019. 
-    Visited over 60 schools bringing in over $15,000 worth of funding

Launched Summer 6's:
-    Off-season Social competition
-    Over 353 members registered. Over 100 were new or returning members

Fielded over 100 local teams with 1311 registered members - a 9% increase from 2019.

Engaged local media for regular coverage for Hockey.

Invested in live streaming - receiving over 45,000 views during the season.

Conducted over 175 development sessions: 

• Coach Education sessions 
• GK workshops
• Skills clinics
• Olympian and guest coaches clinics
• Summer introduction to hockey sessions
• Pre-season and Off-season Development

Over 100 Toowoomba athletes were recognised in Queensland squads and teams. 

Events hosted:

• Development camp - over 100 players from across QLD attended
• Hockey Expo
• Club Glenvale Challenge 160 of the best players in the region participated in a 7 week challenge.
• HQ Championships
• U13 Coulter Shield
• Primary School Hockey Competition
• Darling Downs school cup
• U11 invitational tournament for teams all over QLD

Hannah Collyer - Gympie

Hannah undertook the huge job of Championship Convenor at the QLD Under 13 Girls Championships hosted in Gympie in 2021. 
She coached one of our Youth teams in the local competition and took our Gympie Under 18 Girls team to the State Titles as Coach.
Hannah has also been a major sponsor of our club including our Junior Development Academy in 2021.

Michelle Eastwell - Warwick

We thought it fitting to nominate Michelle Eastwell for this award as her youngest child is in her final year of junior representation (U18s). All three of her children played right from U7 to now still playing in Senior Club and all attending the upcoming HQ State Championship. I'm sure this will be a precious moment for her being able to watch all three at the SHC over that long weekend. She will be managing the U18 Girls Warwick team at Chermside in June, her final gig as a junior volunteer. Michelle tends to take on the supporting roles at WHA but you can 100% guarantee if there is a need for advice, input, or volunteers she will be there without hesitation – and that is the type of volunteer that keeps a sporting club on its feet year after year. Here is a summary written by Carly when Michelle was nominated for WHA Life Membership in 2020;

Michelle first started playing hockey in 1987 with Corinthians, then with Wyverns up until 2011. Michelle has worn many hats in her time at Warwick Hockey and is still very active within the hockey community.
Michelle's hockey history:

• Manager of Rep teams mostly 2 teams per year 
• Assistant Junior Coordinator 2 years
• Wyvern Delegate 13years
• Canteen Convener 2 years
• Coached and Managed Junior Club Teams
• Media Liaison Officer - Putting the notes in the paper
• First Aid Officer for Carnivals and Games
• Organised Trophies for Presentation Dinner for Juniors and Seniors 7 years
• Managed Wyverns Ladies Team 9years
• Coached Super league
• Uniform Coordinator 2 years 

Michelle is very actively involved in hockey and is always on hand to offer help with anything needed. She is a fountain of knowledge and is happy to share that knowledge with new committee members, players or families involved in hockey.

Judy Hartnett - BWHA

Judy Hartnett in 2021 was the Chairperson of the BWHA Junior Committee, which manages and runs the Junior Section of our Association of over 1800 members. She was also Chair of the Junior Fixture and Grading Competition, grading over 100 teams into their correct division and organising equity in the draw for all teams across 7 venues in Brisbane. Judy was also the Senior Grass Umpires Steward, allocating umpires to all Senior Grass games each week, coached and mentored umpires on Senior Grass and Junior games. Judy also coached at both Senior and Junior level as well as played.

Kathy King - Cairns

Kathy King has dedicated over 25 years to Cairns Hockey. Kathy works tirelessly for Cairns Hockey and her Brothers Hockey Club. Kathy volunteers technical officiating for Cairns Hockey and was instrumental in the Cairns Hockey Junior umpire development program encouraging young players to learn to umpire and assisting with their development. She has been involved in Cairns Hockey junior programs and volunteers with the Cairns representative programs at the Hockey QLD State Championships. Kathy volunteer officiates weekly for Cairns Hockey competitions and at Cairns Hockey carnival and events. Kathy is Brothers hockey club treasurer and assists the club greatly with their financials and their registrations. She is a positive volunteer for the Cairns Hockey community and has a great rapport with all her fellow members. Kathy was recently given life membership at Cairns Hockey. Kathy is very deserving volunteer of the year for Hockey QLD for her contribution to hockey at both Association and State level.

Ron Marsden - Brisbane Men

Mr Marsden is a long time servant of BHA and took on the Treasurers role in 2017 following the untimely death of the incumbent. He has worked tirelessly for the Association since 1972 in varying capacities. The appointment meant that he also took on the treasurers role at Hockey Brisbane ( Combined BHA & BWHA organisation ) and BHMG ( Combined BHA/ BWHA/ KWSHC organisation that manages Burringbar Park). During the 2021 season he consolidated the financial position of each of the groups, reducing costs, taking advantage of available grants and government assistance, ensured Covid compliance at the venue and by the Associations. He was able to avoid any increase in playing fees for the past two seasons to encourage participation. He oversaw the completion of the new facilities block, the installation of the second scoreboard and the acquittal of the relevant government grants, having completed the same role with respect to the second artificial field the previous year. His business nous, political acumen and people skills have enable him to work with each of the organisations (and the personalities within) successfully and ensure the efficacy of the BHA competition, the developing of an harmonious working relationship with BHWA and the effective management of the BHMG facility by liaising between the Board and the facilities management. Mr Marsden’s passion for hockey is unquestionable as is his long term commitment and service to the sport as evidenced by his HQ Distinguished Service Medal awarded in 2004. His service has remained distinguished since that time. He is efforts in 2021 warrant his recognition of going above and beyond for our sport.

Kathy Rogers - Maryborough

Kathy has been the Treasurer of the Maryborough Hockey Association for over 25 years and received a Life membership back in 2006. Aside from being Treasurer, Kathy wears many other hats. Kathy is the MDHA database administrator, website administrator, umpires coordinator and is our COVID SME writing, implementing and overseeing all the safety plans for local competition and State Championships run by the MDHA. The MDHA played host to four State Indoor Hockey Championships of which Kathy was responsible for all the lead up preparation including nominating for the events, bar and canteen rosters and during the events was either the event convenor, technical official, canteen convenor, or behind the camera doing the live stream. Kathy gives between 20 and 30 hours of her time each and every week to making sure the MDHA runs smoothly and thoroughly deserves recognition for all the effort she puts in.

Phil Taylor - Hervey Bay

We are nominating Phil Taylor for volunteer of the year due to his relentless hours of selfless dedication and time he gives to the Hervey Bay Hockey Association, and all the members. He is the President of the HBHA, and he coaches all the association juniors, Minkeys, U/12's, U/15's, & hookin2hockey program, facilitates all junior fixtures. Coaches all junior representative players, trains the association state players, coaches senior 'A' men & women's teams. Coordinates the junior and senior umpires & coaches. Maintains the association grass fields and turf complex. Facilitates the association local senior competitions and is the association volunteer development officer. Conducts hockey school programs. Phil is a much-respected personality of the hockey community, inclusive of local, state and national entities. Phil is very versed in all facets of the hockey environment local and representative teams having represented QLD and Australia at many tournaments. The HBHA is honoured to nominate Phil for this award.

Cairns FNQ School Carnivals

Cairns Hockey Association introduced two new school carnivals to promote the visibility and brand of hockey to our Cairns community. We developed and delivered a primary school carnival which we had 30 teams participate. We had 14 teams attend the Secondary school carnival. We offered a coaching workshop for all the school teachers. We engaged 30 volunteers to umpire and tech officiate with all receiving mentoring. The carnivals focus was to promote the visibility in the schools within Cairns to attract new players to try our sport in a safe and inclusive carnival with the focus on participation and enjoyment. Cairns Hockey identified a drop off rate in players 14 years and over, we also don't attract players above the age of 14 so we developed the secondary carnival to attract new players in this age area. We delivered clinics to the schools leading up to the carnival. We also provided hockey kits to the schools that did not have any hockey equipment. The carnival was free to enter and Cairns Hockey covered all the expenses of volunteer meals, carnival expenses, presentation awards, coach courses and clinics. Cairns Hockey already has all schools involved committed to the carnivals in September 2022 with more schools reaching out to join. This partnership with the schools has been extremely positive and we are now growing our school hockey programs and sporting schools within the Cairns region.

Toowoomba Summer 6s

For eight weeks over October and November 2021, the Toowoomba Hockey Association held a new social hockey competition, 'Summer 6s' to expose new players to hockey, entice previous players to return to hockey and provide a different way for existing members to enjoy hockey. The Summer 6s initiative was embraced by the hockey community with 42 teams participating in the competition, consisting of 252 existing members and, impressively, a further 103 players who had not participated in the regular season. Several of these new players have now registered to play hockey with our five local clubs for the regular season in 2022.
In addition to the wonderful exposure of hockey to new players achieved through this initiative, it was equally satisfying to witness existing members making teams with family and friends, playing with new players and embracing the #TEAMQLD spirit by demonstrating enthusiastic sportsmanship, support and respect for their team members, opposition players and officials, with particular kindness and support shown to new players.

Aaron Kenny - Maryborough

Aaron volunteers his time to the Maryborough Hockey Association to fulfil the role of Development officer. As part of this role Aaron conducts multiple programs on a weekly basis for our elite athletes and for our emerging talent. Aaron also heads our development committee and every Saturday oversees our Junior Tomahawks development program which not only includes coaching our up and coming stars of the game but developing and mentoring our volunteers  to make sure the program is running smoothly and effectively and keeping everyone engaged and enjoying their hockey. Aaron also is a representative coach and selector for our Senior Women and U/18 girls teams and coaches is local Division 1 men's team in the Fraser Coast competition. Aarons dedication to coaching over the last few years within the Maryborough association deserves recognition as his effort in developing our local talent has realised many state selections, talent identification squad selections and state championship successes for our players, teams and association.

Rachel Macready - Toowoomba

In 2021, Rachel commenced the year early as one of the coaches of the Toowoomba development squad preparing our high-performance athletes with off-season training for state trials. She continued her coaching and development with her own club, coaching the Under 13 Red Lion boys to a grand final as well as assisting with the development of junior boys at club level. Racheal was also a mentor to junior and senior women as a senior member of her A Grade women's team and Toowoomba's open women's team. Throughout the whole of 2021 Rachel continued to be part Toowoomba representative coaching group, helping whenever required in both Indoor and Outdoor situations. She was the coach of the Under 13 Toowoomba Outdoor and Indoor teams with top four results in both tournaments. Rachel has also assisted with the development of the under 15 indoor team coaching our division two team.  In 2021 she continued to develop her own coaching skills whilst contributing countless hours to furthering the development of Toowoomba athletes. Her time and dedication to Toowoomba Hockey was enormously valuable in 2021 and she is extremely deserving of our nomination for Association Coach of the Year.

Sara Rogers - BWHA

• 2021 Qld U18 Coach, coached the team to an undefeated Australian title, and Play the Whistle Award
• BWHA U18 Coach for State Championships
• BWHA Jan Hadfield Coach of the Year Recipient

Melissa Sorensen - Mackay

Melissa has been involved in Mackay Hockey for many years.Melissa is currently a volunteer coach with the MHA High Performance Academy and spends twice a week coaching Mackay developing athletes. Melissa coaches club team for Norths and St Francis school teams in the MSHA competition.Melissa coached the the U18 Mackay Women's team in 2021 in Division 1 at the U18 State Championships in Townsville. Mackay went through the State Championships undefeated and won Gold against Brisbane beating then 1-0 in a nail biter, this made history as Mackay has never won an U18 Division 1 State Championship previously, Melissa spends a lot of time at hockey coaching, she has previously coached Queensland Teams and a number of Mackay Representative Teams. Melissa is again coaching the U18 Mackay women's team this year as well

Julie Bartolo - Mt Isa

In Mount Isa we have a great selection of volunteers however Julie stands out by far with her consistent coaching which has continued to bring back players for over 10 years. She is an amazing coach, all junior players respect her and her knowledge. You can give her a new player and they will know the basics hands down in a few short weeks.

Cassie O'Neill (nee Salecich) - BWHA

Provided ongoing support for all our coaching programs at BWHA. She organises and runs the development programs at Commercial Hockey Clubs and is happy to assist at all BWHA coaching programs.

Glen Seivers - Cairns

Glen Seivers is a dedicated and committed Cairns Hockey coach. Glen coached in 2021 three club teams for two different clubs. He coached the U13 Cairns team at the Hockey QLD state championships. He also coached the Open School girls team at the School championships in Townsville where we made the final and placed second. Glen is the Cairns Hockey pathways advisory group chair. He coaches our Cairns Hockey Academy program. He assisted our Hockey performance manager with coaching the QLD squad players in preparation for the State trials. He has assisted Cairns Hockey to attract male participants aged 14 years to 18 years by coaching players from Saint Augustine's school in Cairns. Attracting many of those players to join the Cairns Hockey competition in U18 and C grade. Glen volunteers a great amount of his time weekly to assist Cairns Hockey players. He coaches and assists two clubs to develop players. He is a positive coach and role model to the His coaching support of the Cairns hockey representative program and high performance program is valuable.

Matt Siebuhr - Toowoomba

Matt has been coaching junior teams within his Newtown club for years. In 2021 Matt coached several club teams as well as being part of the Toowoomba Representative coaching group, contributing to continuing the growth of hockey in Toowoomba. At a club level Matt coached Under 11 girls leading them to a 2021 premiership win as well as J1 boys, assisting with A3 men and whilst playing for A- Grade men and master's he was a senior mentor. Matt also made a significant contribution at a representative level coaching the Under 15 Boys outdoor team finishing in the top four as well as Toowoomba Under 15 boys' indoor team who won Hockey Queensland Under 15 Boys Indoor state championship. Matt in 2021 coached all levels of players in both girls, boys and men and has developed and inspired these athletes to reach their potential. Toowoomba hockey would like to recognise his achievements in 2021 by nominating him as Community coach of the year.

Kyle Bartolo - Mt Isa

Not a doubt, you aren't sure of a rule, need your allocation covered or need an umpire for championships, Kyle will put his hand up and give you the time you need. Being only 16 turning 17 Kyle has gained a lot of respect in the Mt Isa hockey family due to his great effort towards his umpiring. He is consistent and always willing to expand on his knowledge. Mt Isa couldn't be prouder of an umpire for our 2021 season. 

With also being awarded the Most Improved Umpire at the Under 13 boys championship in Townsville in 2021 he has goals that I believe he will achieve this 2022 season.

Aleisha Neumann - Toowoomba

-    Is a positive role model for junior and senior umpires
-    An active contributor to umpire development
-    Always willing to share her insights and advice
-    Has conducted Umpiring Development clinics within Toowoomba Hockey Association focusing on uplifting capability and supporting developing umpires  

Aleisha had a successful 2021 seeing her umpire at her first Olympics in Tokyo.  Restrictions have impacted Aleisha's international opportunities over the past 2 years so she has taken the opportunity to focus locally on assisting the next generation of umpires.  
Aleisha is approachable and always willing to support initiatives to develop umpires.  Aleisha is a well respected member of the umpire community.

Key achievements 2021: 

• Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
• Member of the FIH Pro League panel 
• HQ Open Championships Umpire
• Brisbane Women's Hockey Association, Brisbane Hockey Association and Gold Coast Hockey Association Division 1 umpire Grand Final umpire at Brisbane 
• Queensland Academy of Sport Scholarship holder 
• Umpire Coach - Australian U21 Umpire panel and Queensland Opens, U18 and U15 women's panels 
•  Logan City Official of the Year
• Toowoomba Hockey Association Umpire of the Year
• Most Outstanding Contribution to Umpiring for Rangeville Hockey Club 
• Umpire Mentor
• Served on Hockey Queensland Officiating Committee

Caitlyn Smith - BWHA

Winner of the BWHA Lyn Thomas Most Promising Umpire Award, Caitlyn umpires every week in BWHA, most weeks 2 games (PL1 & PL2). She attended the HQ Championship, State U18 Champs, State U18 Indoor and was selected for the National U13 Panel (which did not proceed). Caitlyn assisted with coaching and mentoring beginner umpires on BWHA fixtures throughout the season.

Sandy Hayes - Gladstone

HA Level 2 Technical Official and HQ Level 2 Umpire qualifications. 2021 was a better year with Representative hockey going ahead.
•    Appointed Competition & Pathway Director to GHA August 2019 currently doing the role for another term until 2023
•    Technical Manager at the HQ U18 Championships in Rockhampton
•    Co-Ordinated GHA Annual Lightning 9’s Carnival
•    Complete the CQHL Draw between Rockhampton & Gladstone Teams
•    Put together the full season draw in Gladstone 2021
•    Attended HQ Masters in Warwick as Technical Official for Gladstone
•    Put presentation for Clubs on Rules Briefing for Umpiring & Technical side for GHA
•    Bring more tech onto Junior Games encourage parents to help out

Jenny Heron - BWHA

Jenny has been a long term volunteer for hockey. In 2021 she took on the role of Technical Official Roster and Management, ensuring all BWHA fixtures had a qualified Technical Official in place. She assisted with training new Technical Officials and filled in TO vacancies at the last minute as needed. Jenny officiated at HQ tournaments: State U13s, U18 Indoor and HQ Championships.

Cathy Platts - Mackay

Cath has been a Technical Official in Mackay fro many years. Cath regularly holds training sessions in Mackay for our T/O and has been a representative T/O at many state championships, both indoor and outdoor. Cath is always a pleasure to work with and assist others

Dave Stower - Toowoomba

In 2021 Dave Stower volunteered his time as Technical Official at an Association and State level. Officiating A Grade games during our premiership season as well as at Hockey Queensland tournaments, including opens and the Big Hockey Hit Out.  Dave is always happy to contribute when asked and is a valued Technical Official at Toowoomba Hockey that we would like to nominate for Hockey Queensland Technical Official of the Year.

Taylah Andreassen - Mt Isa

Taylah undertook the role of President and any jobs that required doing. After COVID heavily impacted the Association she has worked tirelessly to ensure that weekly competitions are on and teams are on the field. She has helped rebuilding the Association’s confidence and standing with the Mt Isa community in attracting new sponsors.

Linda Hunter

Womens Masters Chair, Linda Hunter, organised from start to finish, the 12 teams that competed at the Newcastle Invitational including completing event nominations, arranging coaches, team selections, uniforms and ALL logistics for the teams. This organization started in 2021 and she committed to delivering a hockey experience that the Qld Masters had been starved for over COVID-19. Linda has also been Tournament Director and/or technical official at a number of outdoor & indoor tournaments always putting her hand up to help and ensure the competitions are played in true #TeamQld spirit.

Ryan Williams - Toowoomba 

Ryan Williams has been involved in Hockey for over 35 years. In his youth Ryan was a highly talented player representing the QLD Blades in 2000 and selected in the Australian County team in the years to come. In recent years Ryan has been involved at almost every level of Hockey in Toowoomba. Over the last few seasons he has been involved in introducing new members to the sport through Minkey and Mods Hockey programs, he also coaches a division 4 womens team and as part of this role he has introduced Hockey to many new senior players. Ryan also mentors a number of young players and coaches at Rangeville Hockey club. In addition to this he also coaches a team in the club Glenvale challenge, coaches and selects the Open Mens representative team and was a Toowoomba U11 representative coach.
Ryan is a positive role model for so many members of the association from grass roots players through to senior representative athletes. He always displays a positive attitude, impeccable sportsmanship and regularly goes above and beyond for hockey. 
Toowoomba Hockey believes Ryan would be a worthy recipient for the 2021 Team QLD Individual Award.

Douglas HA

Douglas Association sent their first team to compete in a State Championships to the Under 13 Boys in Townsville. The team had never played on turf or even a full size pitch before and despite being challenged in every game they showed courage, resilience, and determination. Their sportsmanship was outstanding and they held their head high after every game. Their cassowary chant was an inspiration to other teams. They improved game after game, competed well and enjoyed the travel, time away and the friendships made.

Gympie HA

The 2021 Under 13 Girls State Championships were held in very trying conditions. Torrential downpours that made some fields unplayable and the constant threat of a COVID-19 outbreak had the Association on edge for the entire State Championships and lead up. Fortunately the Championships was completed and Gympie Hockey Association should be proud of their efforts.

Queensland U18 Girls Team

The State team competed in and won the Australian Under 18 Championships. They also won the National Play the Whistle award. This is awarded to the team the displays exceptional behaviour by all team members and plays the game in the true spirit of the game.