Ms Philips will be working alongside Mount Isa Hockey Association to develop and strengthen participation of junior hockey players.

Ms Philips says the partnership with MIHA will allow specialised training for all children, and the chance to travel to various state championships.

Developing local coaches and managers is an important part of this, with Ms Philips seeing the need to support kids in getting there.

“It’s nice to have a lot of participation especially from parents, and for them to go away and actually see their kids play is pretty awesome,” Ms Philips said.

The former Australia Hockey League representative was thrilled with her Australia Day award but is reluctant to take all the glory.

“I consider it a group award because without the volunteers that came on board for ten weeks, nothing would happen. 

“You don’t do it for the award, you do it for the love of the sport,” Ms Philips said.

Volunteers helped Ms Philips run a 9 week hockey program last year for five primary schools, culminating in a gala day with more than 90 children in attendance.

“It’s rewarding when you start seeing those numbers come through that have never played hockey before.

“We weren’t expecting that number, it was phenomenal,” Ms Philips said.

Another aspect to her new job will be working alongside schools to integrate hockey into Health & Physical Education classes.

Ms Philips will be contacting schools in the next few months to discuss the concept with HPE officers and principals.

Another goal is to develop strategies to help children to follow their chosen pathway, whether it be A-grade, representative level, or just playing for fun. 

“Some kids aren’t interested in playing representative but some are so driven it’s not funny,” Ms Philips said.

Ms Philips hopes to increased participation for Indigenous children substantially by the end of the year.

Ms Philips will be working with schools again this year for an inter-school hockey competition in Term 4.