Mackay Hockey Association commenced in a small way in the 1930’s with 3 women’s teams and 2 men’s teams with fixtures played on the triangle at the Mackay Showgrounds. WWII intervened and the association folded. In 1948, Mackay Hockey Association resurrected, and the first delegates’ meeting was held at the Oddfellows. Two Clubs, Magpies and Suburbs, each nominated 3 women’s teams and 2 men’s teams, with the possibility of nominating more teams. The first official games were played at the cricket grounds at a cost of 15 shillings for a Saturday afternoon.

Hockey progressed slowly from 1948 to the early 1950’s and in 1951 there were 6 clubs in the competition – Suburbs, Camerons, Magpies, Rangers, Thistles and Arsenals. Games moved from Queen’s Park to the town common near the airport in 1952 and then moved to Harrup Park.

Mackay School Hockey Association fixtures began in 1959.

In 1959 Mackay Hockey Association was granted a lease on the current grounds bordered by Harney St, Milton St and Bridge Road, and these have developed over the years into a good sporting area for hockey. The synthetic turf surface was added in 1996 and the grounds are a hive of activity throughout the week with training sessions and fixtures in the senior and junior competitions.

Mackay School Hockey Association runs as a separate identity, catering for all children up to 15 years of age.
Saturday mornings sees the Under 7, Under 9, Under 11, Under 13 and Open fixtures with children playing for the schools they attend, or alternate schools if their own does not have a team nominated.

From the age of 13 years, players are eligible to play for a club in the senior competition in Men’s and Women’s grades A4, A3, A2 and A1. These games are played on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons. Mackay Hockey Association has five clubs – Arsenal, Brothers, Camerons, North Mackay and Souths United.

In addition to the regular weekend competition there is also a Masters Competition for the 35 and over age group that is played during the week. This competition has both Men’s and Women’s teams and Mackay Hockey Association has a proud history of players that have represented both state and country in the Masters Division. and we sent our first Masters Women Team in 1985 to Townsville.

Mackay Hockey Association, a member of Central QLD Hockey Association, has a very proud history of representative play with many players being selected in QLD and Australian Teams.
Hockey in Mackay is family friendly with many people who volunteer their time, energy and skills to contribute successfully to “The Game That Grows”.