Jessie McCartney is the Hockey Manager at Toowoomba Hockey Association (THA) and the driving force behind Belong in Hockey, an award-winning initiative fostering inclusivity in sport. With a strong background in coaching—spanning Melbourne, the Netherlands, Brisbane, and now Toowoomba—Jessie is passionate about harnessing hockey’s potential to create a welcoming and inclusive community.
Launched in 2023, Belong in Hockey began as a program supporting Toowoomba’s Yezidi refugee population and has since expanded to include participants from African communities, First Nations and all-abilities participants. The initiative is built on a foundation of connection, empowerment, and breaking down barriers to participation in sport.
The program thrives through strong partnerships with Multicultural Australia, TAFE Queensland, and Griffith University, where it has contributed to the federally funded research project “engaging outsiders in sport”. Its impact has been widely recognised, earning accolades such as Hockey Queensland’s Initiative of the Year, GoodSports’ New Club of the Year, and the Clubs Queensland Heart of the Community Award.
Jessie remains committed to ensuring hockey in Toowoomba is a sport where everyone—regardless of background, ability, or experience—feels a sense of belonging.