Hockey Australia attendance at IEBF fosters positive connections

The first Indigenous Emerging Business Forum proved a huge success according to Hockey Australia (HA) Commercial Partnerships Manager Tyler Lovell.

Hosted by Telstra Business Technology Centre (TBTC) Perth North, the inaugural event was held to promote and encourage Indigenous businesses and enterprise.

Hockey Australia’s increasing emphasis and work with Indigenous people through its various programs enabled Lovell and a HA contingent to attend the forum, which also comprised a two hour trade show.

Lovell was one of the guest speakers at the luncheon which was also attended by Kookaburras and Hockeyroos Head Coaches Colin Batch and Paul Gaudoin, Kookaburras duo Eddie Ockenden and Aran Zalewski, and Indigenous Hockeyroos Brooke Peris and Mariah Williams.

“The event was extremely well organised and to have so many amazing indigenous businesses under the one roof is a credit to the efforts of TBTC John O'Driscoll, Enterprise Group Manager, Rudi Mistry, General Manager and their team,” said Lovell, who is also a current Kookaburras goalkeeper.

“It was a privilege to present on behalf of Hockey Australia to an audience that seek to achieve the same inclusion and equity for Indigenous people as we do as a sport.”

“We are determined to further develop meaningful relationships, promote and expand the sport of hockey in the Pilbara and throughout Australia."

Williams was named Female Sports Ambassador of the Year for her work with young Indigenous people.

“I felt honoured to be nominated for this award let alone receive it…I certainly wasn’t expecting my name to be read out,” said Williams.

“Being an Indigenous woman is something I’m proud of and I am passionate about helping young Indigenous people to be active and make good life choices.

“I am heading up to the Goldfields in November and also conducting hockey clinics with middle school Indigenous female students at Clontarf Aboriginal College over the next month which I’m excited about.”

Hockey Australia also raised $2,250 through items it provided for an auction on the day with proceeds going towards funding indigenous community hockey programs.