Graham Henstock, Death – Hockey ACT is devastated by the death of Life Member Graham “Joe” Henstock. Joe was awarded Life Membership in Hockey ACT in 1999 for his significant dedication to the organization, which has continued to this day. Joe has been a member of the HACT Indoor Committee (including 16 years as Chair), the Women’s Committee/Senior Competitions Committee (since 1998), and the Umpiring and Technical Committee (since 1994). (Five years as chair). Until his death, Joe was an active member of all three committees. For two years, Joe was also a member of the Junior Competition Advisory Committee, the High Performance Committee, and the ACT Coaching and Development Committee.
Joe has also coached Women’s Masters teams at National Championships and managed ACT rep teams for over two decades, including two years as the Canberra Lakers’ manager. Joe umpired at all levels of competition and at events such as the June Long Weekend Carnival, Quikstixs, and junior indoor events for 28 seasons in the Hockey ACT community. Joe will also be a Life Member of Hockey Australia in 2022. Joe has been an umpire, Tournament Director, Technical Officer, Judge, Technical Director, and member of the Australian Indoor Commission for over two decades, representing the ACT at National and International Tournaments.
Joe has received Life Membership in Tuggeranong Vikings Hockey Club, the Australian Sports Medal in 2000, ACT Volunteer of the Year in 2014, Hockey ACT Administrator of the Year 5 times, and the ACT Women’s Masters renamed their indoor competition the Henstock Indoor Carnival in 2017. “It’s been a privilege to work alongside Joe since 2003,” Hockey ACT CEO Rob Sheekey said. While Joe’s dedication and commitment to the game always amazed me, I will remember him for his kind and nice demeanor. Joe was always calm and composed, and regardless of the situation, he always acted in the best interests of the individual. This is a bad day for the sport, our organization, and me. My thoughts and condolences are with Joan and the rest of the Henstock family at this very difficult time”.