Hockey Australia Board renewal

Hockey Australia (HA) advises three Directors will officially end their tenure at this Thursday’s HA Council meeting.

HA President Melanie Woosnam and Directors Juliet Haslam and Colin Richardson will leave their Board positions with three new Directors to be elected at the Council meeting.

A former Hockeyroo, Woosnam spent seven years on the Board and has been President since 2016. She has fulfilled this role while being the CEO of Water Polo Queensland.

During her time as President, Woosnam has played a major role in developing and growing relationships with critical stakeholders including Sport Australia, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA).

She also fulfilled international obligations to ensure Australia remains a prominent and influential figure in world hockey.

Juliet Haslam, who has expertise in sports consultancy, business management and corporate partnerships, has been a HA Board Director for the past five years.

The dual Olympic gold medallist has been a key figure of the HA High Performance Committee, steering the direction and professionalism of HA’s High Performance programs including the world class Kookaburras and Hockeyroos.

Haslam was recently appointed to head up Port Adelaide Football Club’s entry into the AFLW competition.

Colin Richardson has been instrumental in establishing the Sultana Bran Hockey One League during his three year tenure. He has also provided significant guidance, particularly in maintaining Hockey Australia’s stable financial position and key stakeholder matters.

Richardson will continue to Chair the Board of the Hockey One League.

“On behalf of the Hockey Australia Board, the Executive Leadership Team and the HA staff, we sincerely thank Mel, Juliet and Colin for their enormous and invaluable commitment and contribution to Australian hockey,” said HA Board Vice President Sandra Sully.

“These positions are voluntary, and we acknowledge the amount of time, professionalism and service each of them has demonstrated while performing full-time professional roles.”

“Their dedication and commitment to our sport is outstanding and we have been incredibly fortunate to have had their guidance and support.”

The election of the new HA President, plus the vote for the two Vice-Presidents of the HA Board is scheduled to be conducted on 7 December 2021.