2023 Multicultural wrap up

Hockey Victoria would like to acknowledge and thank our multicultural community for the contribution they have made in 2023. Hockey Victoria actively engages with our multicultural community in growing participation as well as understanding the social responsibilities sport has in providing opportunities for all. 

Multicultural Ambassadors 
This year our Multicultural Ambassadors have provided valuable insight and advice to Hockey Victoria to help create  a welcoming and inclusive environment for people from all backgrounds to play hockey in a safe and fun environment free from discrimination and abuse.  

Caroline Springs 
Hockey 5’s board were delivered to Caroline Springs Hockey Club as part of their Stick2Hockey program in May. Every Wednesday night the club ran a U10’s intraclub competition to help reduce the travel and time commitment required to play the sport. Post season the club also held Bollywood dance lessons with hockey lessons at the club to entice new participants to the sport.  

International Melbourne Hockey Cup 
The International Melbourne Hockey Cup was held at Melbourne Sports Centres – Parkville from 29 September to 1 October and saw 5 men’s teams compete in Tier 1, 6, men’s team compete in Tier 2, 3 teams competing in the women’s competition, 4 teams competing in U14 mixed competition and an exhibition game from Victoria Police and Australian Defence Force. Coen Van Bunge FIH Umpire of the Year flew in for the tournament, providing education and support to local umpires.  

Tier 1 
Punjab Giants 
MSU Warriors 
BOP Tigers 
NSW Lions 
MSU Strikers 

Tier 2 
Craigieburn Falcons 
Evolve New Zealand 
Adelaide Sikhs 
Latrobe Valley 
Melbourne Sikhs United 
Caroline Springs 

Women 
Craigieburn Falcons 
Latrobe Valley 
Cardinia Storm 

U14’s  
Craigieburn Falcons Orange 
Caroline Springs 
CF Blue 
Essendon Hockey 

Racism Survey 
Hockey Victoria prides itself on being inclusive and welcoming to people from all backgrounds. To ensure that we live our values we encouraged our members to provide their feedback as part of the Racism in Sport survey. 883 persons completed this survey. The responses received will guide how we tackle racism within our sport through awareness and education initiatives. Keep an eye out for more information regarding this in 2024. Thank you to our Multicultural Ambassadors for their guidance and understanding throughout the process of the survey. 

Hockey One 
Throughout the 2023 Hockey One season, the Canberra Chill visited Melbourne in November, where we invited Chills international import, former Indian vice-captain, dual Olympian and superstar Rupinder Pal Singh to join us for a junior hockey clinic in Craigieburn. We had over 50 children from the surrounding area joined us for a 2-hour clinic and the opportunity to meet and learn from a hero directly from their community.  

Diwali & Band Chorr Diwas Hockey Cup 
Rupinder Pal Singh also returned at week later for the 6th annual Diwali and Band Chorr Diwas Hockey Cup. Hosted by Craigieburn Falcons Hockey Club and supported by Hockey Victoria, this tournament celebrates Diwali and encourages the broader hockey community to join in the celebrations, watch traditional dances all whilst playing the game we love. The event was brought to life with the talented and energetic kids from Melbourne Bhangra Squad, providing a lively atmosphere and bringing everyone together to the beats of vibrant Punjabi Bhangra music. Australian Sikh Support, an NFP, provided free food throughout the event.