🏑 Waratah Hockey Club Newsletter — May 2025
Edition #3 – Season’s Underway!

SIMPLE TEXT VERSION OF NEWSLETTER BELOW:

WELCOME From the President

Hello Waratahs Family,

The 2025 season is officially underway, and it has been fantastic to see everyone back on the field! The energy, commitment, and sportsmanship from our players have been incredible. A warm shoutout to our volunteers, coaches, and supporters who make this all possible week after week. And a very big good luck to all our players that are heading to the Junior Country Championships – 2025 17 – 18 May!

Let’s keep the momentum going as we settle into the season!
See you on the pitch!

Jodie
President, Waratah Hockey Club

📌 Key Club Updates

Season Kick-Off!
Rounds 1 & 2 kicked off with great enthusiasm! Don’t forget to send in your team photos, match highlights, and standout player moments — we’d love to feature them in next month’s edition!

Junior Country Championships – 2025
The Championships will be held on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May at these venues:

• Essendon Hockey Centre – Under 14 Boys & Girls
• Greensborough Hockey Centre – Under 16 Boys & Girls
• State Netball Hockey Centre, Parkville – Under 18 Boys & Girls

Weekly Fixtures & Results
Check our Facebook page and website every Thursday for weekend game times and team results.

Training Continues
Training sessions run every Tuesday:

• 5:15 – 6:00 pm: Under 11’s & 13’s
• 6:00 – 7:00 pm: Under 16’s
• 7:00 pm onwards: Seniors Mens and Womens
  Stay committed, show up, and bring the Waratah spirit!

Social Night – Save the Date!
Our next Social Night is on Tuesday, 24th June — TACO TUESDAY! Don’t miss out. More details released in next newsletter and on our facebook page!

Volunteer Call-Out
The canteen roster has been sent out. If you can’t make your allocated time, please swap with another family or contact us if you need assistance.

📣 Stay Connected

Want to share team updates, milestones, or event photos in the next newsletter?
📧 Email us at waratahshockeyclub@gmail.com or contact Janine Gowenlock to be included in any comms and socials.
💬 Message us on Facebook: Waratah Hockey Club

🛡️ Hockey Is Safe for Everyone

Waratah Hockey Club is committed to a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters.
We are reviewing our policies to exceed standards for player welfare, child safety, inclusive participation, and responsible conduct. More updates coming soon.

If you have any concerns or suggestions, please reach out:
📧waratahshockeyclub@gmail.com

☕ Club Café Now Open – Thanks to Sunraysia Hockey Association

The Sunnies Café is back with a fresh menu and new vibe, open on match days! Thanks to SHA’s support and Rock Solid Marketing’s generous donation of our new coffee machine, we’re keeping everyone fuelled and warm.
Stop by for a cuppa and cheer on your team!

👕 Uniform Update – Sizing & Returns

We’ve restocked shirts and shorts in select sizes:

• $40 each for shirts and shorts
  Contact Janet Shields to order.

Reminder: Please return any shirts from previous seasons so we can keep our inventory updated.

💳 Waratahs Club Fees – Due by Round 5

Please ensure your fees are paid directly to Waratahs Hockey Club (not Hockey Victoria) by Round 5.

Fee Structure:

• $280 – Senior Grades
• $320 – 1 Senior + 1 Junior Grade
• $370 – 1 Senior + 2 Junior Grades
• $170 – 1 Junior Grade
• $230 – 2 Junior Grades
• $20 – Under 11s only
• $20 per game – Casual players (less than 5 games, pay weekly)

Bank Details:
BSB: 633-000
Account Number: 145538955
Account Name: Waratahs Hockey Club

Questions? Contact Janet Shields, Treasurer & Uniform Coordinator:
📞 0429 427 369

 Riverland Fees

• $150 for the season OR $20 per game (up to 6 games)
  Please confirm with Mel Farnsworth before final payment.

Stay on Top of Matches & Scores!

Download the Hockey Vic App or visit the SHA match website to keep track of all fixtures and results.
Search Sunraysia Hockey Association and add your team to stay organised.

New Water Bubbler Installed at SHA

Stay hydrated with our newly installed water bubbler located at the amenities block— perfect for match days!

🍝 Family Pasta Night – A Huge Success!

Our Family Pasta Night on April 29th was a fantastic evening of food, fun, and Waratah spirit! Thanks to all the families and volunteers who made it so special. Team Waratah is more than hockey — it’s community. 💙

EVENTS

JUNIOR COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS (JCC)

16 -18 May 2025 Melbourne

TUESDAY TACO FAMILY DINNER NIGHT

24 June 2025

WHC FUNDRAISER EVENT

TBA JUNE - JULY

Riverland & Country Week and Away Comp

3 May Bendigo 7, 8, 9 June

SA REGIONALS

4-6 October 2025, Pt Lincoln

Coaches Corner

Goalkeeper Clinics – Give It a Go!

Ever wondered what it’s like to be the last line of defence? Our Goalkeeper Clinics began Tuesday, 29th April at 5:30 pm — and it’s not too late to join!
No experience needed, just enthusiasm.
📧 Register your interest at waratahhockeyclub@gmail.com

Umpiring Sessions - open to all

Umpiring sessions are taking place on the field during Tuesday Training for U16s &  U13’s — don’t forget to bring your own whistle and positive vibes!

SAFE HOCKEY 

At Waratah Hockey Club, we have zero tolerance for child abuse or neglect. Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and protected while enjoying the game. Talk to a coach or team manager with any concerns you may have. We are all here to help!