GHA Executive – July Report

A Report from the GHA Executive

We hope that you are enjoying your hockey and the scenes from Stead Park and Lloyd Reserve have been testimony to that.

At Stead Park we have welcomed Dimpy as our Canteen Manger and have enjoyed her cooking and service. We thank you for supporting the canteen which is our main source of income for the Association.

The Local Competition

The local competition has progressed well and we thank those who play the game with the respect it deserves. The local umpiring has been led well by Pearce Frost and Tom Molyneux and we thank them for their efforts. Without the umpires we do not have a game and it is encouraging to see young players trying officiating. Well done.

Once again we acknowledge the work of Claire Barnes in organizing the fixtures and results. This is a significant contribution and one that we greatly appreciate. Also we need to recognize the Competition committee who also do so much for the local clubs. The club representatives on this committee are all deserving of our collective praise.

The Sharks

We have witnessed some great hockey from the Sharks and commend all those involved. The game has changed so much and the skill level on display is quite breath taking. Both the men and women are nearer to the top of their respective ladders and we should acknowledge the tremendous efforts of the coaches, managers and players who put in so much time to reach this level.

The junior sides have put in some excellent games and it has been pleasing to see their development. The Under 14 Sharks are on the top of their respective ladders. I had the honour of seeing some of our girls play in Shepparton last weekend and the standard was tremendous. There is a great future for our sport in our region. We should also commend the families for their support in driving to all parts of Melbourne and beyond.

Local Club Fees

The executive has had the rising cost of living at the foremost of their minds and to that end senior local team entries is $1,600. The actual cost price to the Association is around $2,200. The shortfall is made up by the surplus the canteen generates, sponsorship and grants. Sponsorship has declined and it is difficult in these times to get businesses to support us. If you know of any business that may be interested in sponsorship then please pass on their details to a member of the executive.

The main supporter of the canteen is the Sharks and when they have home games our takings are around $2,000 for the day as compared to around $600 to $800 for local games. We support the Sharks as our representative team and appreciate the way they support the Association. The other important aspect of canteen surpluses are the many volunteers who contribute. We thank them all and they enable us to keep fees down.

It is also very important to have financially stable and growing local clubs and it is pleasing to see all of them being well run. The basis of that is the role of the local volunteer and we are fortunate to have so many willing to devote time to their local club.

Doncaster Hockey Club England

As has been mentioned previously the GHA has signed a partnership agreement with the Doncaster Hockey Club in England. Our Men’s Premier League coach of last year, Paul Schram played there in his prime. The tour is for a maximum of three men and three women who travel there and commence playing with Doncaster from the 11 th January, 2025 for a mutually agreed number of games. There is more information on the website and please see Graeme Dent if you have any questions.

GHA Recognition

If you have any volunteers who should be acknowledged then please send their names to the GHA secretary. Also, if there are any nominations for Life Membership and Hall of Fame please send that information to our secretary.

Fundraising Opportunities

We have been looking at off season opportunities to raise money. The executive is keen to seek other revenue sources outside of our hockey people. We met recently with a leader in All Abilities Sports and we have offered our facilities to be used for their summer cricket and possibly All Abilities hockey. They have trouble getting ovals that are used for cricket. They see our facility with the fence and shock pad as appealing. This will be a fundraising opportunity and if any club is interested then please see me to discuss.

Another financial opportunity is “pre-season football training”. To this end we shall be writing to local clubs offering our facilities. Again, with cricket taking the local ovals, space for football pre-season, training is at a premium. If a club is interested in being involved in this and raising money for your club then please see me.

There is the opportunity of having a weekly market at Stead Park in the off season on a Friday evening or Sunday morning. Our facility is enclosed and we could rent out tables and open the canteen. There is money to be gained and if a club wishes to pursue this idea, then please see me at your convenience.

Stead Park Redevelopment and Torquay

Both have been signed off on and we are waiting for more detail. Our expectation and hope is that Torquay will commence first and while Stead Park is being redeveloped, we can use Torquay and Geelong Grammar School. As times-lines become known, we shall post the information. In the beginning some of the information shall be confidential but we shall release what we are able to do.

These are exciting times and discussions have commenced as to how our new faculties at Stead Park may be used. We are open to all suggestions like having meals provided to the public, Sunday afternoon Jazz, Friday night Bingo. There is no such thing as a silly idea so please see an executive member if you have thoughts.

Schools Hockey

We are hosting a series of Schools’ Hockey this month and in October. If you are able to help with umpiring or an aspect of organisation then please email our secretary.

Employment Opportunities

We are still looking for a handy person to fix some odd things around Stead Park. Payment is per hour. There is also an paid opportunity for someone who is able to open and close the facility. If interested, please email our secretary.

We also are offering cleaning the rooms for two hours per week. It is a paid role so if interested please email our secretary.

Thank you for all that you do for the association.

Best wishes
Graeme Dent
President
Geelong Hockey Association