Vale Sylvia Faram AM

Hockey Victoria is deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of Sylvia Faram earlier this week. Sylvia was a HV/VWHA Life Member inducted in 1956.

Sylvia has had an extensive and incredible career across cricket, golf, and hockey. In hockey, she was an outstanding player locally, for Victoria, and nationally for Australia. Not only was she an outstanding player, Sylvia was as an amazing coach giving back to the community for years. She was a key part of ensuring playing grounds and training facilities were available to women in her area.

Sylvia was also an excellent sports administrator in Hockey as President of the Victoria Women’s Hockey Association. She was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division in 2024 for her significant service to cricket administration, and to hockey.

Hockey Victoria would like to express our deepest condolences to Sylvia’s family and friends at this very sad time. We will look to share out any public ceremony information when it is available.

Sylvia’s achievements in Hockey include, but are not limited to:

• Coached the first team from 1976 through to the end of 1979.
• Coached Nunawading Hockey Club for 4 years, coaching roles with Melbourne University and Camberwell Hockey Club in 1968.
• Key driver of securing facilities and grounds for Women’s Sport, working with the Association and Council to have Ballyshannassy Park formed where Nunawading would solely grow as a Hockey Club to evolve into the future.
• Player with Melbourne University Women’s Hockey Club and Ivanhoe Women’s Hockey Club.
• Won the coveted Melbourne University Hockey Blues Award for excellence on the field.
• Victorian state representative.
• Australian half back in 1954, 1955 and 1956.
• President of the Victoria Women’s Hockey Association.
• Life Member of Hockey Victoria.

In cricket:

• Victorian Women’s Cricket Association President for two separate terms, and Vice President for 6 years.
• President of the Australian Women’s Cricket Council.
• A delegate to the International Women’s Cricket Council.
• Awarded the 2013 Pioneers Award by the Australian Women’s Cricket Council.
• Sylvia is considered a legend of the game (cricket).
• A part of the guard of honour at the International Women’s Cricket 20/20 match at the MCG in 2020.
• Life Member of Cricket Victoria.