Toowoomba Hockey Association wins major Australian sports award

Just months after introducing a new program to its members and supporting Toowoomba’s refugee community a sports club have won a national award. Find out who the winners are here.

Toowoomba 1 defend an attack from Tweed 1 during the 2023 Hockey Queensland Womens Masters State Championships at Clyde Park, Toowoomba. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Toowoomba Hockey Association took its next step forward to being the country’s greatest sporting organisation after winning the 2023 National Good Sports New Club of the Year award.

The award caps a meteoric rise for THA who have reached the highest level of the Good Sports program despite only joining in September of last year.

Good Sports primary focus is helping clubs create healthy and inclusive environments and tackling key issues like alcohol and tobacco management, illegal drugs and mental health.

THA’s Belong in Hockey program, launched with the help of Multicultural Australia, was a key part of the club’s award success.

The program bought members of Toowoomba’s growing Yezidi refugee community to Clyde Park in a bid to help them develop give life skills and a sense of belonging.

“Our Yezidi members are encouraged to partake in various aspects of club life, from playing to volunteering, fostering a sense of independence and deeper belonging,” THA manager Jessie McCartney said.

Members of Toowoomba's Yezidi refugee community take part in Toowoomba Hockey Association's Belong in Hockey community.

“Our club embodies the motto ‘unity in diversity’ transforming lives through sport, and making a palpable positive impact on the wider community.”

Good Sports also encouraged THA members to talk and about and encourage healthier lifestyles and life choices.

“Good Sports has instilled a sense of responsibility among everyone at the club – members not only drink responsibly, but they encourage others to as well,” McCartney said.

“Members are also now confident in asserting the club’s regulations regarding vaping, with peers directing individuals to designated areas, helping to maintain our healthy space.”

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s Queensland manager Martin Milne heaped praise on THA following the announcement of the award win.

“The Good Sports Awards are the ultimate trophy for any Good Sports club,” he said.

“Every year we get to celebrate incredible work being done by dedicated volunteers in community sport and this year is no different.

“These award recipients are shining examples of the Good Sports program which is helping build a healthier sporting nation by supporting clubs to be the very best they can be.”