BIANCA BROADHURST ELECTED AS HOCKEY NSW PRESIDENT

During May, Bianca Broadhurst was elected as the new President of the Hockey NSW Board. 

Bianca has served on the Hockey NSW Board since November 2014 and has fulfilled the position of Vice-President since 2017. She is currently a Senior Manager of Diversity and Inclusion at the Commonwealth Bank and as many in our community would know, a former NSW and Australian Hockey player. 

Having represented NSW since she was 13 years old, and serving as a Board Director for six years, Bianca feels immensely privileged to be serving Hockey NSW as its President. 

“Growing up in a small country town, hockey was my passion – as it was for all of my family; especially my mother and older sister (and eventually my younger sister too).  It was unusual not to see me with a stick in my hand or running from school to get to yet another training session, or out playing hockey in someone’s front yard.”

“All of the places hockey has taken me – across our Associations, Australia and overseas – even to the Olympics, a World Cup and a Commonwealth Games, are secondary to this simple truth: hockey to me was – and still is – about fun, family, lifelong friendships and, when I am on the field, a sense of being home.”

“As a team sport, many of the lessons and experiences I have had playing hockey have been absolutely integral throughout my corporate career, which includes over 17 years’ experience leading teams and culture change in some of Australia’s most complex, high performing organisations.”

Bianca begins her time as President during a difficult period for our sport, but she is prepared to do what it takes to ensure hockey remains safe and viable.

“The impact of coronavirus means that more than ever, we need to ensure our sport remains relevant in a rapidly changing and fast-paced world."

“At this time, as it has always been, our members continue to be at the heart of everything we do. We are firmly focused on assisting and working effectively with our Associations and their Clubs to deliver a safe, inclusive and enjoyable hockey experience for all.”

“If we get this right, it means we will all be in a strong position to attract and retain members which, in turn, will ensure that our sport can grow, and our hockey community can thrive.”

Hockey NSW would also like to congratulate fellow Director Julianne Plath, who was elected as Vice-President.
 
Julianne joined the Board last year and brings extensive experience at a CEO level from the member-based credit unions/mutual bank industry. She has also served on the Customer Owned Banking Association Board for five years, which included the position of Interim Chair whilst recruitment of an independent chair was undertaken. 

“I am a born & bred Queenslander (please don’t hold that against me) and moved to NSW in July 2017 to join my partner. With the exception of winter, I’m enjoying the move and have taken up golf - which depending on the day - I really enjoy. My sporting career centred around volleyball which I was privileged to be selected in the Under 18 Queensland side and held the position of coach of my school’s junior team in the year after leaving high school.”

“I’m looking forward to the time when I can come and see hockey in action and spend some time getting to know what is important to our members and volunteers; and see how Hockey NSW can continue to improve what we deliver.”

Former President Craig Colvin will remain on the Board after being re-elected at this year's Annual General Meeting. 

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Craig Colvin for his leadership and commitment to Hockey NSW whilst President and his continued support and commitment,” said Bianca. 

“I’d also like to sincerely thank David and the Hockey NSW team, along with my fellow Directors and the Associations and Clubs for all of their care, hard work and commitment to our hockey community at this time. 

“Finally, thank you to all of our valued members and volunteers, who continue to make our sport what it is today.”