Australia’s #HockeyHeroes volunteer photo competition a huge success as winners announced

The winning entries of Hockey Australia’s #HockeyHeroes volunteer photo competition have been announced. The inaugural competition was a resounding success, with over 150 people submitting photos in what is a true testament to the many volunteers in the sport across the country.  

Emma Wilkinson from South Australia was deemed the overall winner by the judging panel which was made up of experts in the sport from across Australia. 

Emma’s photo is of Bruce, a Grange Royals Club coach and umpiring mentor “who has been instrumental in the growth and development of players throughout the years. With a wealth of experience and a passion for the sport, Bruce has dedicated himself to nurturing talent and guiding aspiring hockey players to reach their full potential. His commitment and unwavering support have earned him the respect and admiration of the club.” 

As the winner, Emma received two tickets to the JDH Hockey One League Final in Canberra this year, plus flights, car rental and two nights accommodation provided by Adina. She has donated her prize to Bruce.

The first runner up was Daniel Borrett from the ACT with a photo capturing Hookin2Hockey coordinators, Amy and Ed, who have reinvigorated the program, increasing participation from eight to over 50 kids. Daniel had a choice of an $1000 Kumho tyres voucher of $500 ASICS voucher. 

The second runner up was Hayley Price from NSW who captured Todd and Sean, coaches of the Under 11 Hockey Team, ‘Drifters White’, based in Goulburn NSW. The pair have transformed the team with their “dedication, tireless determination and unfaltering commitment to the kids”. Hayley received a signed Hockeyroos shirt and $100 voucher for the Hockey Australia shop. 

The three winning photos were judged on a set of criteria that included the originality, creativity and composition of the photo and how well it captured the essence, character and spirit of the local volunteer hero and Hockey Australia’s values (leadership, integrity, excellence and/or inclusion).

The judging panel included Joanne Scanlon (Hockey Australia Board Director from NSW), Aran Zalewski (current Kookaburra from WA), Renee Taylor (current Hockeyroo from QLD), Edwina Bone (Hockeyroo Alumni from the ACT), Michael Randall (hockey journalist from The Herald Sun, VIC) and Sam Wilson (Partnerships Manager, Kumho Tyres from QLD).

“It is clear just how much volunteers mean to the hockey community, as evidenced by the amount of photo entries we received from across Australia,” said Hockey Australia Chief Growth Officer Suzanne Henderson.

“The anecdotes sent in alongside the photos really captured and celebrated the crucial role our volunteer heroes play in the sport, which is why it’s a major pillar of the current Australian hockey strategy.

“We are grateful for each and every volunteer and we thank everyone who submitted photos to shine the light on these hockey heroes and inspire through their stories.”

View a collection of the best photos from the competition here.

Winning Photo (Emma Wilkinson SA)

"Bruce Murrie our Grange Royals MW5 coach. This photo perfectly encapsulates his unwavering focus and dedication, calmly observing the play and providing direction to the team. It is a snapshot of the invaluable presence he brings to the club—a mentor who is always watching, always guiding.

Bruce's coaching prowess is evident in the multiple premiership wins under his guidance. The MW5 Premiership victories in 2022 and 2020 serve as a testament to his strategic approach and ability to bring out the best in his team. But Bruce's impact goes beyond mere victories. He is known for being an advocate and true friend to all players he has worked with. Whether on or off the field, he is always there, ready to lend an ear, offer guidance, and provide valuable insights. His calm demeanour and keen observation skills make him an exceptional presence on the sidelines, ensuring that his players are always supported and guided in the right direction. Bruce's coaching philosophy is rooted in empowering individuals, and his dedication to each player's development is truly inspiring. Everyone needs a Bruce."

First Runner-up (Daniel Borrett ACT)

"Our Hookin2Hockey coordinators Amy and Ed have reinvigorated our program over the last few years growing from 8 kids to over 50. They have introduced rounds of significance and come up with ways to engage the kids in fun ways such as dress up weeks and the development of a new club mascot the Checks Turtle which is now being printed on jumpers for all the kids. Amy and Ed have also gone above and beyond running the BBQ for the Hookin2Hockey carnival and continue to promote a safe sporting environment and inclusion with several kids on the autism spectrum taking up the sport this year and benefitting from the individualised approach taken by Amy and Ed with the support of the club."

Second Runner-up (Hayley Price NSW)

"Todd and Sean are the coaches of an Under 11 Hockey Team called Drifters White, based in Goulburn NSW. They have transformed this team with their dedication, tireless
determination and unfaltering commitment to the kids. These guys attend coaching clinics in their spare time, run training during the school holidays and consistently run the field on Saturday games to help the kids improve. For them, it is about the skills and teamwork the kids learn. The parents and kids are so grateful for everything Sean and Todd do for this little country team."

Nominations are now open for the Sport Volunteer of the Year Award as part of the AIS Sports Performance Awards. The award recognises a volunteer who has made an outstanding contribution to a sporting organisation, club, team, or program over the past year.

For more information on volunteers and how to become one, the Australian Sports Commission has a free Volunteer Resource Hub which is a one-stop shop, designed to bring together useful resources, tools and practical tips and tricks.