It gives me much pleasure, as newly-appointed President of Hockey Queensland, to be able to welcome players, officials and supporters to the 2008 Premier League and Open Championships.

This is the second year of a revised format where the Premier League and Open competitions have been combined, with the subsequent separation of the men’s and women’s competitions. This of course highlights the need for our sport to continue to lobby for, and grow our facilities, in particular the number of artificial playing surfaces around our state that are needed to sustain hockey. Whilst Hockey Queensland is working with both local and state government to address this requirement, attempts to date have had limited success when compared with, for example, the major football codes. Even hockey’s Olympic achievements, which reflect the depth of hockey talent across the country (and Queensland in particular), have not been enough to gain this extra support. We will persevere.

Please enjoy the competition and camaraderie of our premier Queensland hockey competition. I would like to wish players from all centres good luck and good competition. To all the officials and volunteer workers I offer my thanks and appreciation for your efforts, hard work and dedication to our sport.

Good hockey to all and I look forward to a great weekend of competitive hockey.

Dr Karin Walduck
President,
Hockey Queensland