Rockhampton Hockey Association

In 2024, RHA embarked on an ambitious project to upgrade the lighting on our main turf field. The new infrastructure exceeded expectations, whilst enabling us to host three State Championships over a five-week period. Firstly, the Over 60s Men's Championships from 19-21 April, followed by the HQ U18 Men's State Championships just four days later 25-28 April. Three weeks later and from 16-19 May, we hosted the QLD Schools 13-19 Male State Championships. The close scheduling of these events required extensive planning, logistics, facilities and resource management, to ensure the expectations of players, officials and spectators were exceeded. Feedback confirms that RHA continues to set the benchmark for hosting significant hockey events in Regional Queensland. We are proud to claim to be the envy of other associations!  Successfully hosting these events was made possible through the combined efforts of our Board, Clubs, members, dedicated volunteers, and the support of Hockey Qld, Qld Schools, the Rockhampton community, local not-for-profits (Lions), and government departments including Rockhampton Regional Council and the Queensland Government. Together, we delivered three highly acclaimed hockey events that elevated the profile of hockey in Central Queensland, across all ages, whilst attracting over 5,000 visitors to our beautiful region.

Mackay Hockey Association

Mackay has continued to grow in strength and membership again in 2024. We started off with the MECC sports expo run by the local councils and had all clubs and junior hockey present. MHA also invested in an overseas National coach, Coach Shiv, to run a junior program for 12 weeks which proved to be a remarkable success and then continued on to our senior program. Through continued sponsorships and new ones we were able to host an umpire development program weekend, to educate our umpires and also the coaches on the rules. With success of further grants, we have continued to upgrade our facilities and toilets to suit the greater community, with events now being made at the clubhouse. Mackay continues to host  state championships, with 2 Indoor State championships coming to Mackay in 2024. Mackay also hosted the successful U11 carnival with a team from Bowen (new to the competition) Teams from Bowen were also invited to Mackay on two separate weekends to help generate more interest and compete.

Cairns Hockey Association

With 2024 came a renewed sense of hope for Cairns Hockey. New staff and newly appointed board brought optimism for the future. However, the devastating Jasper flooding left the Cairns community in financial strain and uncertainty. Despite this, Cairns Hockey took proactive steps, partnering with a local radio station and utilising social media to promote the sport and recruit new members. These efforts helped the association to stabilise membership through challenging times.
To reconnect with community, Cairns Hockey reintroduced several volunteer advisory groups focused on officiating, juniors, competitions, pathways, and facilities. New programs, such as the Kindy Program, school initiatives, and Hookin2Hockey, were successfully launched, strengthening the association's reach.
Cairns Hockey endorsed numerous Hockey Queensland and Hockey Australia-recommended policies, including those related to the Code of Conduct, Complaint and Dispute Handling, Safeguarding Children, and Member Protection. Looking ahead, 2025 will see the release of the association’s new Strategic Plan and Facilities Strategic Plan, with a strong focus on planning for the 2032 Olympics.
Behind the scenes, Cairns Hockey worked tirelessly to secure funding for replacing one of its aging turfs. The association is excited to be unveiling a brand-new FIH-certified turf in 2025, marking a significant milestone for the community.

Toowoomba Hockey Association

THA exemplifies excellence in 2024. THA increased player engagement significantly, with member churn decreasing by 8% retention increasing by 3% in past 12 months, as well as off-season programs seeing participation rise from 600 to 760 players. Olympic heroes Aleisha and Tatum, inspiring the community through events and clinics and Livestream service was enhanced to reach over 4,000 weekly viewers and generated $10,000 in sponsorships.

When hosting the U14 Boys State Championships, THA demonstrated leadership by organising a HQ umpire development session and showcasing HQ sponsors through Channel 7 coverage. Our governance improvements are evident in a reduced number of Judiciary hearings (down to 1, from 4 last year) and the introduction of improved disciplinary processes. The strategic and infrastructure planning lays a foundation for future growth, aiming toward the 2032 Olympics.

New initiatives, like the popular Under 10s Friday night games and the Kindy outreach program, emphasize THA’s commitment to participation. The Belong in Hockey program and cultural awareness efforts further extend inclusivity and community engagement. Moreover, THA’s investment in education, staff succession planning, and school sport support enhances hockey’s reach.

Overall, THA’s achievements across governance, community engagement, and development make them an ideal candidate for Association of the Year.

Tanya Bothams (Gympie)

Tanya has been involved with Gympie Hockey in some shape or form for over 30 years now. She is currently the Association President, a role she has held for the past two years and was the Association Secretary in the year previous.
Tanya can be found in the canteen every Friday night and all day Saturday making coffee's and preparing food for all of our players and spectators.
She also looks after all of the club's grant applications and has been very successful in gaining much needed funds for many important projects.
Tanya still finds some time to play the game and was recently selected in the Australian A Masters team to compete at the World Cup later this year. She is also a keen umpire, officiating at club matches and at the Under 18 Girls State titles this year.
On top of all of that, Tanya and her husband are major sponsors of our annual pre-season event which is a key piece in attracting to new and existing players to the club.

Warren Flower (Sunshine Coast)

Warren has worked tirelessly this year on his project of getting approval for a second turf at SCHA. He is so passionate about this, and definitely deserves recognition for all of his hard work, considering it is in the best interests of every hockey player in SCHA. On top of that, Warren also stepped in to take over the BRHC President role after ours resigned mid-season. This is a massive job to take on halfway through a season, and Warren has done such an amazing job over the season, providing stability and taking action in this role.

Cassie Goodhew (Cairns)

Cassie Goodhew is a club volunteer whose passion, creativity, and dedication have made a significant impact on the Cairns hockey community. As a new Junior Club Coordinator, she consistently goes above and beyond her role, ensuring the delivery of the junior competition is done with excellence. Her positivity, willingness to innovate, and commitment to providing a safe, enjoyable experience for young players make her an outstanding nominee for Volunteer of the Year.
Cassie collaborates closely with Cairns Hockey and other clubs to enhance the overall experience of Junior Hockey. Her dedication to fostering a fun, inclusive environment has helped create a supportive community where juniors can thrive. 
Beyond her role as Junior Coordinator, Cassie recently completed her Foundation Lead Coach certification, furthering her ability to understand hockey. She also assists with teching and scoring at junior and senior games, helping to develop both players and future officials. Cassie's dedication to learning and sharing her knowledge exemplifies her commitment to the sport and Cairns Hockey.
For these reasons, we proudly nominate Cassie Goodhew for the Volunteer of the Year Award.

Kent Gripske (Toowoomba)

Kent Gripske is an exceptional candidate for the Volunteer of the Year award due to his continued contributions to the Toowoomba Hockey community. 

As a member of the THC, Kent holds the crucial Compliance Portfolio, where he supports club registrars and shares accurate projections of membership numbers to aid Toowoomba’s strategic planning. He fills the role of Treasurer for Red Lion Hockey Club and has performed this role previously for the THA Board.

Each week, Kent performs the critical task of setting up game scheduling for 41 matches, troubleshoots scoreboard issues (by any means necessary), and humbly navigates our junior matches, politely chatting to any of ‘those’ parents who might need a gentle reminder about how to be an outstanding spectator.

For our R U OK? Mental Health Awareness fundraiser, Kent donated smoked meats and his cooking expertise, where he raised an impressive $5000.

He also generosity donated 8 modified goals for the Minky/Mods program, enhancing the experience for young players. Additionally, as a regular Technical Officer, he ensures that games run smoothly and fairly.

Kent's passion and selfless dedication makes him an outstanding nominee for this award.

Paul Hardie (Ipswich)

Paul Hardie’s unwavering dedication and multifaceted contributions make him an outstanding nominee for Volunteer of the Year. As head of the Ipswich Hockey Technical Panel, Paul ensures the seamless execution of all games by meticulously coordinating and training technical officials. His commitment extends to his role as treasurer on the Ipswich Hockey Umpires Committee, where he plays a key part in the organisation’s financial management.
Paul’s volunteer efforts are truly exceptional. He devotes countless hours at Ipswich Hockey on weekends, overseeing technical operations and, as a qualified paramedic, providing essential first aid assistance whenever needed. His dedication to the sport also saw him serve as a technical officer at both the U18 Girls Carnival and Men’s Masters (he is also the Secretary of Mens Masters Committee) further highlighting his invaluable contribution to hockey at various levels.
As a member of the Ipswich Hockey Management Committee, Paul’s influence is felt across the organisation, contributing to its governance and sustainability. His outstanding leadership, commitment to volunteer education, and embodiment of #TeamQLD values make Paul Hardie a deserving recipient of this award.

Kylie Meaney (Redlands)

Kylie’s contributions to RHA are exceptional and exemplify the criteria for the Volunteer of the Year Award. Since joining as Treasurer in 2022, Kylie has been active in increasing player participation, enhancing member services, and fostering community engagement/promotion. Her innovative strategies and participation in pop-up stalls in community shopping centers and RHA merchandise (umbrellas, eskies, and soft-brimmed hats), have boosted the association’s visibility and supported member growth.

Kylie’s empathy and work towards member retention extends to managing the cost-of-living crisis by collaborating with local sporting clubs to provide financial solutions and strategies, ensuring that the sport of hockey is accessible to local families. This includes actively working with families to organise affordable accommodation and flight packages for our junior members representing the RHA club in state championship opportunities.

Her migration to Xero and the implementation of a new POS system have streamlined financial and inventory management, improving operational efficiency. This system upgrade has significantly improved operational efficiency by providing clear, real-time data on gross and net sales, as well as stocktake. The new system is user-friendly, which has simplified the processes for members and contributed to smoother daily operations.

Junior Olympian Development Program (Mackay)

In 2024, MHA invested in the development of our juniors. MHA ran a 12 week program at the commencement of the year. This consisted of the Junior Olympians 9-11 years with 15 registered and Junior Olympians 12-14years with 30 registered along with small training groups sessions and a school holiday program. This proved to be highly successful and we are aiming to duplicate the program in 2025 with expanded session.

Hookin2Hockey Hockey Heroes (Cairns)

Under the guidance of Hockey Australia and Hockey Queensland, Cairns Hockey successfully delivered the Nationwide Hookin2Hockey program, leveraging Olympic excitement to engage new participants. The initiative’s success resulted from planning, collaboration with our four local clubs, and community involvement.

Cairns Hockey partnered with four local clubs to strategize program delivery. This collaboration was crucial, ensuring active club participation in planning and execution. Integrating the regular Hookin2Hockey program with the Junior Hockey Hero Program’s final rounds, and culminating with a Nationwide Hookin2Hockey session, secured enthusiastic club support.

New participants were invited to join a club for the final four weeks of the season, experiencing team play firsthand. This approach successfully recruited 20 new U8/U10 players into the Junior competition, strengthening grassroots hockey.
Nationwide Hookin2Hockey Session Success
The program culminated in a final Hookin2Hockey Nationwide session with over 120 participants, supported by dedicated club volunteers. The event's success was reflected not only in attendance but also in the fun and engagement of young players, who joined clubs for end-of-season celebrations, fostering community spirit.

Building on this success, Cairns Hockey plans to continue strengthening the local hockey community through similar initiatives in 2025.

Belong in Hockey (Toowoomba)

Having achieved proof of concept in 2023, Belong in Hockey has now become an integral part of THA’s laneways of participation.

After the initial phase in late 2023, we’ve now had over 40 refugees participate in come-and-try hockey, 20 who signed up to social Summer 6s and currently 7 playing senior hockey for THA clubs.

In 2024, our initiative extended to include refugees from Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi, Chile, and Solomon Islands as well as our major Yezidi cohort from Iraq and Syria. Our volunteer base increased across all 5 THA clubs, ensuring a familiar face and smooth transition for all participants as they enter club land.
Excitingly, our Belong in Hockey program is now set to receive All-Abilities participants through Community Access Care, and First Nations participants through the Wilsonton Neighborhood Centre. These fledgling links will lead to THA becoming a truly admirable model for inclusion and diversity.

The pride of seeing our first Belong in Hockey club participants thrilled to play finals for their club teams, as well as achieving employment and improved language skills, humbles our volunteers and they become as bigger beneficiaries as the participants in terms of improvements in wellbeing and connection to hockey. 

Top of the Table Clash Initiative (Redlands)

The "Top of the Table Clash" has been a fun and unique addition to the RHA 2024 season, enhancing the hockey experience and skill development for playing members, officials and families. This mid-season competition mirrors a grand final format, featuring a series of mock finals, shootout practices for ALL teams in the competition, and an array of family-friendly activities such as face paint, jumping castles, and snow cones.

The initiative has fostered a vibrant and inclusive environment. By integrating shootout practices and targeted goalkeeper and player training leading up to the event, we provided invaluable skill development opportunities for both junior and senior players, enhancing their game readiness for finals. This approach also allowed juniors, who may not typically have the chance, to practice shootouts and build confidence in a safe environment.

The event’s success is evident in its impact on membership and volunteerism. It inspired increased involvement and allowed officials to refine their skills in tech-benching and umpiring. The "Top of the Table Clash" has also showcased the sport’s fun and engaging side via non-playing family member involvement, promoting hockey at the local level and embodying #TeamQLD values by fostering a supportive, inclusive, and enthusiastic community.

Hockey JL5s  (Townsville)

Due to a previous lack of numbers and interest there was no competition for Un18 players in 2023. Parent and player feedback suggested a desperate need to recreate a space for this age group to play competitive and enjoyable hockey with their peers in Townsville. THA further identified as this age group was only provided with one senior game a lack of extension and enjoyment or complete player drop resulted.  THA was subsequently motivated in close collaboration with all four clubs and the J League 5s competition was created.

Once the concept was agreed on and advertised, individual registrations were sought with an overwhelming response. Teams were devised and were non club based but kept relatively in-tact within friendship club groups. They were blended to try break down some club barriers and grow the THA culture and new enthusiastic coaches were selected from across clubs.  We also saw it as a development opportunity for our GKs with below age boys elevated into the girls competition. This also helped to create some new connections and grow our coaching resource base. The competition was split gender but some girls were given permission to play within the boys competition for extension. 

The HQ 5s boards were shipped up from the Tweed border region and made the competition very exciting and fun for all players. We had a good number of non-playing boys and girls join which we anticipate will translate into better numbers in the local competition 2025.The season ran for 9 weeks with a simple 1 v 2 and 3 v 4 finish. This allowed for a competition to be run outside the peak load for the players within their school and training commitments. 

Overall the competition was a successful initiative from THA and all four clubs and achieved all the hoped outcomes for this age group in 2024. 

Scott Brennan (Sunshine Coast)

Scott is a passionate coach not only for his U14 boys team at Rebels, but also for the Sunshine Coast U14 Boys Representative Team. This year, Scott took the U14 Rep Team away to Toowoomba to compete in the State Championships, where they defeated Gold Coast in the Grand Final, getting them the gold medal and naming them the winners of Division 2. One of the U14 boys were selected for the QLD Cutters team, and two of the boys were named as QLD Shadows. Scott is a passionate and dedicated coach, who nurtures the boys hockey skills, whilst simultaneously pushing them to be the best player they can be.

Danny Mayfield (Mackay)

Danny Mayfield is the junior development coach for MHA. Danny dedicates his time to coaching and developing all levels and abilities of players throughout the association. This year, Danny was the coach of the U18 Men's team that finished 3rd at the State championships. Danny has been with this team since U13 and is the major factor in 5 of the team being selected in the U18 state team. Danny was also the coach of the U14 Boys team that finished 2nd in shoot outs at the State Championships with 8 players gaining selection in the state team. Danny focuses on the whole team and not individuals often using a holistic approach in team and character building. Danny is the senior mentor coach for our J League teams and works along side our coaches. Danny also volunteers his time coaching the junior development squads. Danny also runs extra training sessions for our State selected players prior to their Championships.Danny also coaches and A1 Mens team at local level, constently utilizing the young players to develop and giev them the confidence required to progress.

Ashley McCulloch (Townsville)

Ashley McCulloch is a local Townsville product with a strong focus on the development of the Townsville association and our players. He is currently Townsville Hockey Associations opens men’s coach and the Wests Hockey Club D1 men’s coach. Ashley has been involved as a player, volunteer, committee member, board member as Director of Competitions and Fixtures and coach in Townsville for many years. In 2024 as head coach for the Townsville Open Men’s team Ashley led the team to success in the Hockey Queensland Opens Championship. The team was undefeated. This is an outstanding achievement and testament to Ashley’s ability and leadership. Open championship wins for regional centres are challenging and rare. This achievement is more significant as the Townsville was completely comprised of players registered and playing within the local association. 
Ashley is a strong driver behind the THA centric development policy and actions, as THA only selects from players registered and playing in our local association - This policy can be somewhat controversial, and the need for strong leadership and coaching direction is essential. Ashley has provided strong direction and leadership and under his coaching THA are the 2024 Hockey Queensland open mens champions. Ashley is an accomplished coach and player, along with a valuable contributor to the success of our association.

Lisa Morgan (Rockhampton)

Lisa Morgan is a true powerhouse in the world of hockey, seamlessly balancing her many coaching roles from grassroots to state teams. At the helm of the Rockhampton Hockey Association, she passionately coaches the Southern Suburbs Division 1 Men’s and Women’s teams, all while managing the local Under 7 Quikstix program with unwavering dedication.

Her influence extends far beyond the field. As a valued member of the Hockey Queensland Coaching Committee, Lisa’s impact is felt across the state. Her relentless commitment was recognised when she was named Hockey Queensland Performance Coach of the Year - a testament to her exceptional leadership. But her accolades don’t stop there; she also coached the Queensland U18 and U21 Women’s teams in 2024, guiding them with expertise and passion.

And she does all of this while being a devoted mother and excelling in a demanding career in the mining industry. Weekdays find her working away from home, but come Friday, she’s back, pouring her heart into hockey from Friday afternoons to Sunday evenings, often into the late hours of the night.

There is no one more deserving of this prestigious award in 2024. Lisa Morgan is a true inspiration.

Sara Rogers (Ipswich)

Sara Rogers is an exemplary coach whose dedication to the development of hockey talent and the Ipswich Hockey Association makes her a standout candidate for Association Coach of the Year. As the Hancock Brother A Grade Men's and Women's coach and U18 Ipswich Hockey coach, Sara consistently demonstrates her commitment to nurturing athletes at all levels. In her role as Coaching Coordinator, she provides invaluable support to IHA coaches, overseeing the representative program and ensuring that all coaches are well-equipped to succeed.
Sara's leadership extends to the state level, where she has coached IHA Queensland athletes, led off-season and development programs for both field players and goalkeepers, and managed development squad programs for Hockey Queensland. Her involvement as an assistant coach for Blaze trials and as a Futures coach further highlights her dedication to developing emerging talent. Holding a Development Lead Coach qualification, Sara is always ready to step in and support her fellow coaches, ensuring that all teams have the guidance they need.
Sara’s professional attitude, unwavering dedication, and ability to inspire athletes and fellow coaches alike embody the #TeamQLD values, making her a deserving nominee for this prestigious award.

Oliver Bryans (BHA)

For the past two years, Oliver has generously dedicated his time and expertise to selecting and coaching the Brisbane Hockey U12 Coulter Shield teams. His commitment has not only led to successful team performances but also fostered teamwork and prepared these young athletes for their transition into the U14 Representative program.

Oliver’s ability to connect with the 16 U12 players individually and as a team is remarkable. His inspiring pep talks, effective coaching methods, and unwavering confidence make it seem effortless, yet his impact is profound.

Hannah Collyer (Gympie)

Gympie Hockey is so fortunate to have had Hannah as a coach to our young players for nearly ten years now. 
In the past 12 months she has taken our Gympie Under 18 Girls Indoor and Outdoor teams away to State Titles. Hannah coaches a junior mixed team in our Youth competition and does an amazing job in making sure all players are having a great time and new players always feel welcome, while teaching them the skills of the game.
She is also a player coach for one of our Senior Women's teams, and anyone that has done that role before would know how difficult it can be.
Hannah always says yes to helping out at Come & Try Days, Gala Days and school days or anything that helps bring people to hockey and makes sure they always leave with a smile on their face. 

Joel Helmstedt (Maryborough)

Joel has coached various teams for MDHA/Fraser Coast and Granville Hockey Club (junior/senior) over the last 25 years demonstrating outstanding leadership and development of #TeamQLD values and behaviours. He is an integral part of the MDHA community and is always available to lend a hand and encourage others.  (Joel was also active in Gladstone Hockey when he lived there.) 
In 2024 Joel’s dedication is such that he has gone above and beyond, currently coaching three club and 3 Rep Teams for Fraser Coast and MDHA. He is committed to assisting and mentoring other coaches to ensure the development of athletes at both local and representative levels.  Joel is also an integral part of our Indoor program, coaching teams at all levels, nurturing athletes’ development in this version of the game. His dedication is evidenced in his coaching roles by his commitment to attracting new and retaining current players with the MDHA and giving each and every person a positive experience. His dedication to hockey and the development of athletes is unquestioned. His leadership and his ability to engage with juniors and seniors alike are key attributes that make him a deserving candidate for Community Coach of the Year Award. 

Jenna-Rae McIntyre (BWHA)

This year, Jenna-Rae has been a remarkable force in coaching numerous BWHA development and representative programs. Her unwavering reliability is evident as she frequently steps in at a moment’s notice, demonstrating both commitment and flexibility. Jenna-Rae’s infectious enthusiasm and profound love for hockey enable her to connect effortlessly with players of all ages. She consistently delivers feedback that is both relevant and skill-appropriate, greatly enhancing player development.
Her influence on the Brisbane community is profound, leaving a significant mark on many young athletes and shaping their growth. 
At Commercial Hockey Club, Jenna-Rae has played a crucial role in supporting teams and guiding junior development programs throughout the year. Her voluntary attendance at junior fixtures, paired with her insightful advice, has been warmly received by players and coaches. Jenna-Rae has a unique ability to ease individuals during stressful game situations, offering valuable tips for their improvement.
In 2024, Jenna-Rae has coached across various programs, including:
•    Come & Try Days
•    Hockey 4 Kids Programs
•    Masters Development Program
•    School Holiday Clinics
•    Sporting Schools Programs
•    U12 Brisbane 2 Coach
•    U12, U14 & U18 Development Programs and Trials

Her extensive contributions are a testament to her exceptional impact and dedication.

Cody Rintala (Townsville)

Cody understands high level coaching being a talented individual player himself. He further identifies with a large scope of abilities, genders and ages and uses his vast knowledge of young people through his teaching experience to work with range of players in Townsville. He is generous with his time as is always helping out with morning mini sticks, off season academies and individual striker specific sessions at the RCD request.

This year has been a BIG year for Cody particularly he has been involved with the 13-15yrs, 16-19yrs and Un12 school boys which travelled to Rockhampton and Cairns respectively. He put his hand up to coach a struggling junior club side in the local junior competition in Townsville and has made massive inroads into their playing and personal confidence.
He has taken on the Townsville Un16 boys team who are currently in preparation for HQs championships in Gympie.

With the support of the school where he currently teaches Cody has set up an excellence hockey program and works weekly with the students to develop their understanding of the sport and their S&C. 
He is also a big advocate for increasing junior player numbers in the schools by volunteering his time to coach at the Ruth Young Gala day and mentor the first ever primary school team from his school which took out the title in its first year. He has also been working hard with THA to promote and grow the NQ all schools tournament in Townsville in October. Currently 7 schools from Cairns, Townsville and Mackay will participate and Cody is the main driver for its success and will continue to try his best to expand and in turn encourage more schools young people to enjoy the  annual event.

Grant Cole (Mackay)

Grant Cole has been an integral part of the hockey community in Mackay for several years, consistently umpiring at the highest levels. This season alone, he has officiated 21 games across all grades, demonstrating his commitment and versatility. His primary role as an A1 men's umpire for Brothers Hockey Club has earned him the respect and admiration of players, coaches, and fellow officials alike.
In addition to his on-field contributions, Grant serves as the umpire representative for Brothers Hockey Club. In this capacity, he not only ensures the smooth running of matches but also plays a crucial role in mentoring and advocating for the club's young and up-and-coming umpires. His passion for developing the next generation of officials is evident in the time and effort he invests in their growth and development.
Grant's dedication to the hockey community extends beyond umpiring. He also coaches the Brothers A2 men's team, where his leadership and strategic insights have been invaluable. Furthermore, Grant is an active player and leader within the Mackay Open Men's representative team, often committing to travel and playing a key role in the team's success.

Naomi Crase (BWHA)

This nomination celebrates Naomi's exceptional contributions to Brisbane Women’s Hockey Association (BWHA). Naomi has taken on the critical responsibility of managing senior turf umpire allocations, covering seven divisions and overseeing 64 umpire appointments each week. Her role involves liaising with senior umpires and umpire coaches, ensuring the progression of developing umpires through senior fixtures and BWHA representative roles. As a valued member of the BWHA Umpire and Technical Committee, Naomi excels in umpire coaching and mentoring, including providing detailed feedback through live-stream reviews and arranging necessary umpire assessments.
Despite recent injuries limiting her on-field participation, Naomi has remained an indispensable asset to umpiring. With a Foundation Support Umpire accreditation, she plans to renew her higher accreditation in 2025. For the past three years, Naomi has led umpire development at Ascot Arana, achieving notable success, including the appointment of two umpires to Hockey Australia National Championships and one to National Schoolgirls 15 & Under in 2024.
Naomi’s dedication extends to unifying BWHA clubs, enhancing communication with clubs, BWHA staff, and umpires, and displaying resilience in overcoming challenges and resistance. Her leadership and disciplined approach to the challenging task of umpire allocations demonstrate her unwavering commitment and positive work ethic. 

Rob Lewis (Townsville)

Since his arrival in the region Rob Lewis has been a leader within the association both by actions and strategy. His continued commitment and dedication to the association as an official has been invaluable. This is most evident through umpiring at the highest local levels, an outstanding achievement in local umpire development. As an umpire level Foundation lead (advanced) who umpires multiple senior fixtures every week, he fosters development through running training sessions and development sessions for all junior umpire mentors. 
 
In addition, to his vital and demanding role as a senior umpire within the association, every week Rob mentors junior umpires helping to build their skills and confidence. 
This year in addition to his THA workload Rob volunteered and acted as an umpire coach at Queensland school girls state championships. Officiating is a challenging and often overlooked responsibility. Rob’s invaluable contribution and commitment is one of the many pillars to our successful association.  

Nick Mahon (Toowoomba)

Nick Mahon has had a breakout year in umpiring at THA. Having umpired regularly in junior games last season, Nick took the challenge of umpiring in senior men’s matches in the Club Glenvale Challenge, our pre-season competition. 

He did such a good job that he was awarded the Final which included Ipswich’s Open Men’s side. He was fast tracked in to umpiring our A1 Men during this 2024 season, where he has consistently performed to a high standard. Nick umpired at the 2024 U18 State Championships for Toowoomba, and regularly helps out with our younger umpires in our junior grades.

Nick also helps out by coaching his little brother’s J boys side.

Nick has had to overcome adversity after losing his father suddenly in December 2023. Nick has stepped up, both in his family life and with his professionalism and engagement as an umpire. For Nick to achieve what he has in 2024 with his umpiring having endured such a setback is remarkable, and we at THA are incredibly proud of him.

Malik Smith (Cairns)

Malik is a dedicated Level One umpire in the Cairns Hockey community. His passion for the game extends far beyond his own club, as he actively contributes to the development of others.
Malik’s expertise shines across various divisions in the local competition, from U16 Boys to A Grade. His adaptability allows him to officiate with commitment and fairness across all levels. Beyond his official duties, Malik frequently steps in to assist other clubs with their weekend umpiring needs, ensuring matches run smoothly, filling in at the last minute.
As a mentor, Malik has been instrumental in training new umpires, fostering the next generation of officials. His mentorship ensures that the quality of officiating in the local competition is developing.
Earlier this year, Malik's umpired internationally during the Wanderers Tour in LA and Canada, marking an exciting milestone in his career. He has also umpired at various State and National School Championships through the year. With aspirations to continue officiating in Europe in 2025, Malik Smith is deserving of this prestigious award.

Leonie Young (Ipswich)

I am nominating Leonie Young for the Association Umpire of the Year award due to her exceptional dedication to the development of umpires at Ipswich Hockey. As Vice President and Co-Development Coordinator of Ipswich Hockey Umpires, Leonie has tirelessly worked to mentor and support umpires at all levels, from juniors to seniors. Her extensive experience as a high-level umpire and Hockey Queensland umpiring mentor has been invaluable in guiding our officials to perform at State Championships and beyond.

Leonie played a crucial role in mentoring umpires at the U14 Girls State Championships in Ipswich and the Queensland School Girls Nationals. She is always present at hockey events, offering advice, support, and encouragement, embodying a positive and professional attitude that inspires others to volunteer for umpiring. Her commitment to the development of Ipswich Hockey is unwavering, and she consistently upholds the #TeamQLD values, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all officials. Leonie's enthusiasm for improving the standards of on-field officiating is contagious, making her an outstanding leader and a deserving candidate for this award.

Narelle Cripps (BWHA)

Narelle is a standout contributor to the Brisbane Women’s Hockey Association (BWHA) with her exceptional dedication and expertise. Regularly serving as a Technical Official (TO) for both senior and junior BWHA fixtures, she brings a high level of professionalism and commitment to every event.
Her involvement extends beyond local fixtures. Narelle volunteered at prestigious events such as the 2024 HQ Women’s Masters and the 2023 and 2024 Hockey Australia (HA) Women’s Masters, where she represented ACT 70s in 2023 and HQ 70s in 2024. She also contributed to the 2024 HA U21s and HQ U18s tournaments, showcasing her versatility and dedication to the sport.
Narelle's technical prowess earned her appointments as a Technical Official at the 2023 and 2024 HA Men’s Masters, highlighting her esteemed role in the broader hockey community. Achieving her Development Lead Technical Accreditation in 2024 further underscores her commitment to excellence.
In all her technical roles, Narelle exemplifies the #teamqld values through her remarkable resilience and work ethic. Her contributions reflect a deep dedication to the sport and an unwavering commitment to the values that drive excellence in hockey.

Tracey Doyle (Ipswich)

Tracey Doyel exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated and impactful Technical Officer, making her a deserving candidate for the Hockey Queensland Technical Officer of the Year award. As a Level 2 Technical Officer, Tracey has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to hockey throughout 2024. Her role as a Technical Officer for the international match between the Burras and the Malaysian junior squad, her involvement on the Technical Panel for both men's and women's U18 Hockey Australia National Championship, and her appointment as the Technical Manager for the U18 Women’s State Championships and U15 Indoor State Championships highlight her technical expertise and dedication.
Tracey’s contributions extend beyond officiating; she is a vital member of the Ipswich Hockey community, tirelessly teching every weekend and playing a significant role on the executive committee. Her appointment to the Division 1 final of the Masters Women and the men’s final at the Hockey Queensland Championships, where she was also honoured with the Joanne Greensill Technical Official of the Tournament award, underscores her outstanding skills and commitment. Tracey’s professionalism, enthusiasm, and ability to inspire others make her a role model, driving the development of the sport and the #TeamQLD values within her community.

Kylie Jones (Toowoomba)

Kylie Jones is an absolute powerhouse Technical Official, who’s unwavering commitment and professionalism to the role has contributed enormously to THA in 2024. Kylie has performed as TO in an amazing 71 games so far this year, including volunteering for THA at 6 State Championships. Some of these championships Kylie was appointed as a late replacement, demonstrating how incredibly reliable and committed she is to her volunteering. 

Kylie demonstrates key #TeamQLD values, as she has great communication and rapport with umpires, coaches and players and shows consistent work ethic and performance to a high standard. We feel the Association Technical Official of the Year award is a suitable accolade for Kylie, as a volunteer who continually strives to improve the sport through her professionalism and reliability.

Janice Noonan (Cairns)

Janice Noonan's contributions to the Cairns Hockey community in the officiating space over the past decades highlight her as a dedicated volunteer. Through her efforts, she has demonstrated her commitment to the hockey, both professionally and voluntary. 
Her involvement in Game Services demonstrates her ability in her professional role while continuing in Officiating in the volunteer space. In 2022, Janice introduced mandatory volunteer tech/scorers across all divisions of the local competition. She offered weekly support, teaching scoring, clock use, and rules, leading to the debut of over 30 new scorers in 2023, many of whom went on to become accredited Technical Officials. In 2024 this continues to develop, with every team able to provide a tech or scorer for every game. Achieving her Level 2 Technical Badge several years ago highlights her dedication. Janice has not only participated in numerous championships, including the 10 – 12 School Boys and Girls State and National Championships, U14 Boys State Championships (TO of the Division 2 GF) and the upcoming BDO School Carnivals, but also played a key role in recruiting volunteers to assist at such championships.

Cath Platts (Mackay)

Cath Platts is Mackays most senior technical official. Cath leads the Tech committee in Mackay and regularly has training sessions for the Volunteer Techs of Mackay. Cath also techs several games every week at a local level. Cath regularly travels and assists Hockey Queensland at higher levels including Masters Womens and many National events both indoor and outdoor. Cath has also volunteered her time to be the Tech official for Mackay U16 boys and girls team coming up in September and will then continue into the indoor season.

THA U14 Boys Team 3 (Toowoomba)

The 2014 Toowoomba U14 Boys Team 3 demonstrate exactly what the TeamQLD spirit is all about. 

This team is made of many young boys who had aspirations to move from Team 2 to Team 1 in 2024, but with strong selection numbers were picked in our 3rd team. The group began very downcast and attended Coulter Shield managing to not score any goals during the one-day tournament. 

Yet their resilience shone through, under the guidance of first-time head coach Josh McPaul, the boys trained ruthlessly during the preparation and arrived at the competition brimming with positivity and hope. Their objective for the tournament was to make the experience enjoyable and memorable, and they rallied around each other in a string of tight contests, before joyfully winning the Division 3 title in front of their home crowd. 

Demonstrating to the rest of THA that an enjoyable and meaningful experience can be had, even if playing in Team 3, will help inspire young boys who may be discouraged if they don’t make the team they intended. These boys were respectful to officials and opponents alike, committed and played with passion – all of the things an ideal #TeamQld winning team should be!

Townsville Hockey (Townsville)

Townsville Hockey Association is one of the leading sporting communities in the North Queensland region. Our facility, approach to community engagement, player and volunteer base places this association as a vital and essential resource to the not only hockey but sport in this region. 
THA has a groundswell of support and engagement that is a direct indicator of the quality social and competitive fixtures. 
The strength and resilience within the association can larger be attributed to the collaborative approach of the clubs to create a harmonious environment. THA has a player base that reflects the diversity of our community at all levels. The commitment of our association and investment in players, volunteers and families continues to bear results in growth in numbers and creating a community that supports all involvement.   

2024 has again shown the continued growth of Townsville Hockey with nominations and strong performances in all HQ state championships across each age group, the highlight being the winning mens team from the Hockey Queensland Championship.  

Karen Fry (Cairns)

Karen Fry has been an extraordinary volunteer at Cairns Hockey - recognized as the Cairns Hockey and Hockey Queensland Volunteer of the Year in 2022. Since then, she has continued to excel in her volunteer work, making her an indispensable part of both Cairns Hockey and her local club.
In 2024, Karen remains a key figure in various aspects of hockey:

Officiating: Karen serves as her club's umpire representative, ensuring the appropriate umpires are appointed to each game. She also sits on the Cairns Hockey Officiating Committee, where she mentors new and experienced umpires alike, contributing to the development of a strong officiating team.

CHA Junior Duty Representative: Karen has spent countless Saturday mornings as the Cairns Hockey Association (CHA) volunteer person on duty, overseeing the smooth running of the junior competition. Her presence is a reassuring constant for both players and staff, and she has played a pivotal role in the success of the junior competition.

Community Engagement/Mentorship: Beyond her formal duties, Karen is a mentor to young umpires and new volunteers, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment throughout the club and association.

Karen’s dedication, positivity, and leadership continue to make a lasting impact on the local hockey community.

Anne Jones (Townsville)

Anne Jones has supported hockey Officiating across various levels of Hockey, including Locally, State, Nationally and Internationally.
In 2020, Anne Jones was instrumental in forming the Townsville Hockey Association Officiating Academy, created to foster more Umpires and Technical Official. Over the past 5 years, led by Anne, the Academy has seen over 100 umpires and technical officials developed in their discipline, with some progressing through to State and National appointments thanks to Anne’s guidance.   

Anne’s gives her time up each week to pass on her skills and knowledge to coach our umpires both at the Junior and Senior level, providing a high level of mentoring for our umpires progressing into senior divisions. Anne’s influence as a Hockey Official does not stop at just the THA Official Academy, with Anne using her vast knowledge of the game to run numerous educational sessions for local THA Clubs and Players, and other local North Queensland Associations including Mackay Hockey Association, Anne’s support to the Officiating program also extends beyond the local level. 

Anne also frequently gives up her time to support Hockey Queensland to coach our junior umpires at the State Championships, including the Queensland State School Sports Hockey titles as the Umpire mentor. And while supporting and mentoring our future International Umpires & Officials, Anne herself maintains her own experience to share with others through umpiring at the highest level, including at State, National and International level for the Hockey Australia Masters.  Anne’s continual support and efforts to Hockey Officiating has been vital in ensuring that we continue to grow the numbers of officials in our game locally and across the country, as well as giving current umpires the opportunity to become our future Olympic and International umpiring stars.

Brendon Jones (Ipswich)

Brendon Jones, at just 14 years old, has made an outstanding contribution to the Ipswich hockey community, fully embodying the #TeamQLD values. As a Queensland U14s goalkeeper, Brendon not only excels on the field but also dedicates his time to coaching junior goalkeepers, serving as a role model for younger players. His commitment to fostering a positive hockey environment is evident through his extensive volunteer work, particularly during the U14s Girls State Championships in Ipswich.

Brendon consistently demonstrates selflessness and a readiness to help others, embodying the spirit of true sportsmanship. He volunteered over 10 hours a day during the championships, and on the final day, when he noticed other volunteers struggling, he immediately stepped in to assist without being asked. This level of initiative and care for the community is a testament to his character. His actions are motivated not by recognition, but by a genuine desire to support others and ensure the event's success. Brendon’s willingness to lend a hand wherever needed, coupled with his leadership on and off the field, makes him an invaluable asset to the Ipswich hockey community.

Greg Uys (Toowoomba)

Greg Uys embodies the ‘hockey for enjoyment’ mantra. 

A hugely dedicated volunteer, Greg impacts every environment he’s a part of with positivity, empathy and a genuine care for the hockey experience of others. Greg has had an awesome year. In February he was appointed as a ‘playing mentor’ for the Club Glenvale Challenge Junior competition. 

On the back of a strong role model performance with this duty, Greg was appointed for his first rep coaching position, winning the Div 2 State Championships with U18 Girls – creating a wonderful environment for his team. Greg also umpires regularly, helps run Queensland training sessions for junior and master’s teams and coaches 2 senior club teams with Rangeville HC. 

Everybody loves Greg’s infectious smile and positive attitude, and we think he truly embodies the values of #TeamQLD.