Funding Boost for Belong in Hockey Initiative
Joining the Global Refugee Forum Multi-Stakeholder Pledge on Sport for Inclusion and Protection, the Toowoomba Hockey Association announced its new commitment during a World Refugee Week celebration on 5th June 2026. This community-focused hockey programme supports refugees by creating inclusive sporting environments.
Securing $95,000 from the Queensland Government’s Strengthening Multicultural Communities programme, the Belong in Hockey initiative will expand its reach and impact. This funding represents a major investment in the programme’s future.
Since launching in 2023 with Multicultural Australia, the programme has introduced 140 refugees to hockey. Over 50 participants have joined social competitions, and 20 have become members of local clubs. More than 30 volunteers have provided essential coaching and support.
Manager Jessie McCartney of Toowoomba Hockey expressed pride in the programme’s recognition at both local and global levels. She stated, “We are incredibly proud that a programme built here in Toowoomba is being recognised both by the Queensland Government and through a global movement focused on inclusion and protection.”
Global Impact and Local Growth
Aiming to raise self-esteem, encourage peer respect, and introduce positive role models, the Belong in Hockey programme has been highlighted in national media as a model for sports-driven community cohesion.
According to Welcoming Australia CEO Aleem Ali, “Belong in Hockey demonstrates the power of sport to create real opportunities for inclusion and belonging. It requires clubs to do the deliberate, unglamorous work of becoming genuinely inclusive, and Toowoomba Hockey has shown exactly how that is done.”
With support from the Queensland Government’s investment, Toowoomba Hockey continues its mission to foster an inclusive environment for refugees, enhancing their social participation and community involvement.
Highlighting sport as a tool for inclusion, protection, wellbeing, and social participation, the Global Refugee Forum pledge commits signatories like Toowoomba Hockey to create safe environments for refugees, strengthen partnerships, and expand participation opportunities.
Established to support trauma recovery, social cohesion, and inclusion, the Belong in Hockey initiative has shown success through partnerships, volunteers, and the courage of participants embracing hockey to connect and rebuild confidence.
