The Year 2014............what this means to the MDHA
2014 AT MDHA
Enter into 2014, a year that will rate as one of the most demanding for MDHA in some time. We have our usual hectic season of hockey to negotiate, along with the addition of three other major activities to complete. I am confident that the challenges will not break our Spirit and Determination for success.
This year, new approaches are being tried to increase the grassroots numbers. We need to push for continued growth in our junior grades to have a sustainable future. The MDHA’s RDO will do all possible to initiate activities; however, it will be up to the Club’s and Members to follow through for success. MDHA will push to raise ‘our’ profile and promote ‘ourselves’ as a Fun and Family orientated ‘activity and center’ where new members are made welcome within the ‘Maryborough’ HOCKEY family.
Facilities will undertake some changes this coming year. With two major projects and much repairs and maintenance needed to be prepared for the May week end, when the Queensland Women’s Masters come to ‘Our Place’ to play. Over 600 ladies will check out and do a critique on MDHA. Will we pass?
First 2014 works is; Upgrading of the ‘artificial grass’ surface, at cost of about $400,000. Work began on Friday 10th to remove old surface. Over three days more than 400 hours were ‘Volunteered’ by our Members, and the Mega task is complete. With the Grit and Determination of all, you have taken in excess of $20,000 off the project cost. During February, the contractors will move in and do repairs to the base, following this by placing the 15mm thick, in-situ, shock pad. It will sit and rest until March, when work will commence on laying the new ‘carpet’, hoping for completion by early-April. Some early season games for seniors will be on the ‘Natural Grass’ fields. May I apologize in advance for the ‘inconvenience’, and ask you bear with us through this. It will be worth it in the end.
May is Qld. MASTERS WOMEN in Maryborough. This is normally the biggest event on the Hockey Queensland calendar, however, with it being the ‘30th Anniversary’ everyone is expecting more from it, and us. Over the next few months keep your Eyes and Ears open for updates and opportunities to be involved as a volunteer with the organizing group, led by Kathy Rogers. Come and help the MDHA ‘Hockey Family’ put its best foot forward and enjoy the spectacle of this Gala event at the same time.
Finals will come round in September, and many will have been or be soon going to participate in MDHA representative teams. A few may get time with State teams. Whatever your goals for the year I wish you all the best with your efforts. [See web site for more of whose stars shone, and how you too can be a rep player.]
Finals will not be the end of activity for the MDHA year. Indeed they call us together for one more project before the end of 2014. This is the lighting for fields 7 and 8. It has long been the wish of our Members to have at least one grass field under lights, to allow flexibility and extended opportunity for training sessions across all grades. In 2015 this objective will be possible. MDHA has now received a combined funding package of $221,000 from the Australian Commonwealth Government and the Queensland State Government, to help complete this project.
MDHA is very appreciative of both levels of Government for their generous support.
GOOD LUCK, have fun and ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE OF 2014.
David Moore President MDHA