Vale Graham “Joe” Henstock

1947 – 2023

Hockey ACT is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Life Member Graham “Joe” Henstock.

Joe received Life Membership of Hockey ACT in 1999 for his significant contribution to the association which continued right through until present. Joe has been a member of the HACT Indoor Committee since 1991 (Chair for 16 years), Women’s Committee/Senior Competitions Committee since 1998 and the Umpiring and Technical Committee since 1994 (Chair for 5 years). Joe remained an active member of all three committee’s through to present. Joe also spent 2 years on the Junior Competition Advisory Committee, High Performance Committee and the ACT Coaching & Development Committee. Joe also has coached Women’s Masters sides at National Championships and managed ACT rep sides for two decades including 2 years as the Canberra Lakers manager.

Joe was an active umpire in the Hockey ACT community for 28 seasons across all grades of the competitions and at events such as the June Long Weekend Carnival, Quikstixs and junior indoor events.

Joe was also recognised in 2022 with Life Membership of Hockey Australia. Over two decades Joe represented the ACT at National and International Tournaments as an umpire, Tournament Director, Technical Officer, Judge, Technical Director and served as a member of the Australian Indoor Commission.

For his service to Hockey along with Life Membership of Hockey Australia and Hockey ACT Joe has received Life Membership of Tuggeranong Vikings Hockey Club, in 2000 received the Australian Sports Medal, awarded ACT Volunteer of the Year in 2014, awarded Hockey ACT Administrator of the Year 5 times and in 2017 the ACT Women’s Masters renamed their indoor tournament the Henstock Indoor Carnival.

Hockey ACT CEO Rob Sheekey added: “I have had the great privilege to work alongside Joe since 2003. While always struck by his passion and dedication to the sport, I will always remember Joe for his caring and positive nature. Joe was always calm and composed and regardless of the situation moved forward with the best interest of the individual at the forefront of his mind. This is an incredibly sad day for the sport, our organisation and for me personally. My thoughts and condolences are with Joan and the rest of the Henstock family at this very difficult time”.

Rest in peace Joe.