Thank You Gillian Armstead and Kardinia International College

Kardinia International College recently announced that their hockey program is to cease. This program was organized by Gillian Armstead for 27 years and upon her deserved retirement the school has decided to take another direction.

We need to recognise Gillian for her incredible service to the game of hockey in general and in Geelong in particular.  She has introduced hundreds of Kardinia students to our game and has volunteered her time to coach, lead and organise their training and matches.  Kardinia has been established as a large and incredibly inclusive junior club. So many have gone on to play hockey at the highest level and their success has come from Gillian’s diligence and encouragement.

As an association we cannot suitably thank and recognise Gillian’s efforts in mere words. She is a humble person who just gets on with the job at hand. Last year I remember a parent of a Kardinia player speaking with me about how much of a role model Gillian has been to her daughter. She spoke of the growth of her daughter not only in hockey skills but as a person. She said her daughter’s increased confidence was due to Gillians’ belief in her and this has transferred to her studies and general wellbeing. She believed that her daughter’s success in her learning was attributable to Gillian.  High praise indeed.

On behalf of all associated with Hockey Geelong we thank Gillian for her service to hockey and the young people over such a long time.  Gillian will not be lost to hockey and as she is involved in helping to establishing the junior section of the Corio Hockey Club. It is her wish for all current Kardinia players to play for Corio thus establishing a fifth junior club to make the competition viable.

Thank you Gillian for 27 years of service to hockey, with more to come.

Best wishes

Graeme Dent

President Hockey Geelong