HA Award Of Merit Recipients Announced for 2024

Congratulations to Graham Wakefield and Linda Hunter on being announced as recipients of a HA Award of Merit, which is given for dedicated and sustained commitment to the development of hockey in Australia, and devoted and successful service to hockey and the promotion of the values which underpin the sport. 

Linda Hunter
Linda Hunter's enduring dedication to hockey spans a diverse array of roles and responsibilities across her career. She has excelled as a player, umpire, technical official, coach, and administrator at both state and national levels, including her notable involvement with FIH World Masters Hockey.

From 2010 to 2023, Linda made significant contributions to Hockey Queensland, serving in various capacities such as selector, coach, organising committee member, and official. Her coaching achievements extend to guiding several Australian Women’s Masters teams to success in Trans-Tasman Challenges, Tours, and World Cups.

In recognition of her expertise and commitment, Linda was appointed to the FIH World Masters Hockey Events Committee in 2022. In this role, she plays a pivotal part in coordinating all international Masters Indoor and Outdoor Events, further solidifying her impact on the global stage of hockey.

Graham Wakefield
Graham Wakefield has dedicated over 25 years to coaching in Queensland and for Hockey Australia Masters. From 1987 to 2019, with the exception of 1997, he tirelessly coached Queensland Girls and Women’s representative sides. His coaching prowess shone brightly during his tenure with the Queensland Women’s 35’s team, leading them to an impressive 10 national titles from 1998 to 2019.

Graham’s success extended to the international stage when he was selected as an Australian Women’s Masters coach, a role he held from 2000 to 2018. During this period, his leadership guided teams to victories at numerous Trans-Tasman Challenges, International Tournaments, and Masters World Cups. 

Read more from Hockey Australia here.