Improved structure implemented for Hockey Australia Masters

The restructuring and appointment of members of the Hockey Australia Masters Committee (HAMC) and three supporting ‘Pillar Groups’ have been implemented to deliver a more efficient approach to operations, improved linkages, and greater use of volunteer resources.

The HAMC is a subcommittee of the HA Board and responsible for advice, oversight, and support in the delivery of masters hockey events both in Australia and internationally, in conjunction with a range of stakeholders.

Following a Hockey Australia Expression of Interest process, appointments were made from nominees across Australia who applied to be involved in the new three ‘Pillar Group’ committee structure - Events & Officiating, National Teams and Growth & Promotion.

Hockey Australia Chief Executive David Pryles notes “Masters Hockey is an integral part of the Australian hockey community with the new HAMC and ‘Pillar Group’ structure closely aligned with HA’s pillar strategy.

“We can assist HAMC to support stronger engagement with the Member Associations in Australia as well as internationally.”

HAMC Chair, Sue Briggs OAM, is excited to welcome new and returning members to the committee as it continues towards the establishment of a ‘One Masters’ shared community strategy.

She acknowledged the challenges faced by the previous HAMC on its journey to create a more inclusive, cohesive, and effective body that reflects the ‘One Masters’ tenets of ‘Passion, Participation, Performance and Partnerships’.

Briggs shared “there will be a more efficient approach to operations, improved linkages, and greater use of volunteer resources in the newly appointed committee.

“The Pillar Group Convenor provides the connectivity between the Pillar Groups and HAMC. The new structure is designed to spread the load in the areas that are most prevalent in the operations of Australian Masters Hockey.”

As the new structure is bedded down, Briggs is also encouraging the wider masters hockey community to become involved in any of the Pillar Groups so they even better reflect the diversity and expertise that exists across Australia.

The HAMC Chair thanked all the outgoing members of the Committee and Operational Working Groups for their valuable contributions over the past few years, which still saw the delivery of memorable events in Australia and overseas despite the impact of COVID-19.

The HAMC members are as follows:

Chair Sue Briggs, OAM

Treasurer Kirsty Hunter

Admin & Communications Gail Lomas

Events & Officiating Linda Hunter

National Teams Brent Kinnane

Growth & Promotion Carolyn Campbell

Members of the Pillar Groups have been appointed for an initial 12-month term and are listed below.

Events and Officiating

Linda Hunter (Convenor), Nicola Ogden, Nola Bezant, Allen Schasser, Simon Thresher, Lindy Culverwell, Marilyn Brown, Tracey Preston  

National teams

Brent Kinnane (Convenor), Trish Young, Carol Sheridan, Jess Bingley, Joel Cuming, Sharon Williams, Kathryn Austen  

Growth & Promotion

Carolyn Campbell (Convenor), Glen Pearce, Dr Karin Walduck, Dr Allison Rieck, Denise Gersbach, Greg Kay