A lifetime in hockey: Jenny Heron

Jenny Heron’s love affair with hockey started at the age of 12 – and 63 years later shows no sign of ending!

Since 1962 the Everton Hills resident has been a player, umpire, coach, manager, secretary, vice-president, selector and is now a technical officer.

As such, Jenny went to the 2019 World Masters Indoor Championships in Hong Kong and will this year be at the Masters in Brisbane and under 16 titles at Rockhampton.

For more than six decades’ service to women’s hockey Jenny was given the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2026 Australia Day Awards.

“I started when I was at primary school,” she said, “another girl played at Ascot, so I joined and have been a member of that club ever since.

“I played because of the friends I made and the friends I have now. As a technical officer I think I can to any club here and know someone.

“I think I’ve done most roles now. It keeps me active … and out of mischief!”

Jenny says the highlights were going to the World Masters in 2019 and being selected as a player for Queensland at the 1998 Over 45 Masters in Darwin.

She has been a technical officer, manager and assistant tournament director among many roles with Hockey Queensland, which made her a life member in 2017.

Jenny was on the Brisbane Women's Hockey Association Management Committee for 16 years, in two spells, vice president 1995-1997 and secretary 1989-1994 and 1999-2000.

She was a veterans’ selector in 1995, 1997-1999 and has been since 2001, when also made a life member of the association.

Ascot Women’s Hockey Club - Jenny’s sporting home of 63 years – includes being a manager, secretary, umpire and coach. She was made a life member in 1978.

Jenny also received the Women’s Masters Australia State Service Award in 2010, Hockey Queensland Volunteer Of the Year 2004 and Distinguished Service Award 2003.

Images sourced from @hockeyaustraliaofficial 

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This story is part of our International Women’s Day 2026 coverage. Explore more local profiles and features here.