Hockey Queensland Announces Board Leadership Reset Ahead of Brisbane 2032

Hockey Queensland has ushered in a new era of governance following its Annual General Meeting on 2 May 2026.

The organisation confirmed a leadership transition, with Claire Henkey elected as president and Kendall Gilding stepping into the role of vice president. The restructure is for the governing body as it pivots toward a long-term strategic framework designed to capitalise on the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The board reset includes the departure of long-serving president Paul Mantell and director Aaron Averay, replaced by a refreshed executive team focused on sustainable growth and financial modernisation.

Strategic Priorities: The “Road to 2032”

Commenting on the her appointment, president, Claire Henkey, said: “We have a board with the skills, energy and commitment to deliver.”

“Positioning hockey to maximise the once-in-a-generation opportunity that Brisbane 2032 represents—these are not small ambitions,” Henkey said.

The incoming board has identified four critical pillars to ensure the sport’s longevity and relevance in the lead-up to the 2032 Games.

These priorities are designed to transform hockey from a traditional participation sport into a resilient, commercially viable network:

• Sustainable Participation Growth: Focusing on retention and accessibility across diverse demographics in Queensland.
• Association Sustainability and Reform: Driving structural changes to enhance the governance and financial resilience of member associations.
• Financial Sustainability: Diversifying funding models to balance aggressive growth with disciplined financial oversight.
• 2032 Legacy Positioning: Aligning infrastructure and government engagement to secure a permanent legacy for the sport post-Olympics.

A Legacy of Service: Farewell to Paul Mantell

The AGM marked the retirement of Paul Mantell, who has been a fixture of the board since 2016. Mantell’s connection to the sport spans over 50 years, from a junior representative in the 1970s to serving as Finance Director and President. A Life Member of the Ipswich Hockey Association, Mantell was a key architect of the Brisbane Blaze teams and a fierce advocate for junior development.

“Paul has given this sport more than most people will ever know,  his legacy is woven into the fabric of our game,”Henkey added.

The board also acknowledged Aaron Averay, who departed after nearly three years of service, specifically for his contributions to marketing, communications, and strategic relationship-building.

High-Calibre Board Appointments

To support these objectives, Hockey Queensland has recruited two independent directors with specialized expertise in technology and government relations:

• Alex Staines: Bringing over 20 years of experience in government relations and public policy, Staines (currently with Kestrel Coal Resources) will lead the organisation’s efforts in securing government funding and influencing infrastructure policy.
• Chris Rush: A Partner at KPMG, Rush leads a technology consulting practice of 100 staff. His expertise in technology-enabled business transformation and digital governance will be critical for modernising the organisation’s internal systems.

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