Mary first started volunteering in a sport journalism role with a passion for encouraging women to get involved in conversations about sport.

Fast forward nine years, Mary now runs her own sport media company, Ladies Who League, and is entering her fourth year as a volunteer director on the Hockey Australia (HA) board – on top of her full-time governance role at a bank!

As an HA board member, Mary has taken on many significant roles and been involved in important decision-making processes on behalf of the sport.

“Being a volunteer director can be lot of work, but the opportunities I've had as a result of being on the board have been so significant,” Mary said.

Notably, Mary was appointed chair of the working group responsible for investigating cultural issues within the Hockeyroos and she was part of the assessment panel tasked with selecting the location of HA’s future high-performance training centre.

“I have learnt so many skills through volunteering in sport that are more beneficial than any of the skills I learnt through university.”

While Mary and other volunteers in sport governance roles are often less visible, their contribution to sport is no less important than the volunteers we see on the side of the sporting field.

“I am passionate about helping hockey be the best it can be and making sure that the future of the sport is safeguarded.

“Sport is such a fundamental part of our society, therefore, it's important that our sports are governed well, so that they can continue long into the future,” Mary added.

Mary encourages everyone to get involved in sport volunteering and experience the personal and social benefits she has enjoyed over the past decade.

“I would tell anyone wanting to volunteer to just do it. There is a sport volunteer role for everyone.

“Your contribution will be greatly valued, and you will meet some incredible people along the way,” Mary added.

Ready to volunteer? Get involved at ausport.gov.au/findaclub