The award recognises outstanding and invaluable service to hockey and more importantly all the people who play it, in Michelle’s case, in the Manning Valley. 

When her name was called to collect the award at the opening ceremony at the Women’s Masters Championships in Grafton, it was a show of gratitude. A small thank you, for a woman who never wanted any thanks

She’s coached, encouraged and nurtured hundreds of juniors, managed representative teams, spent countless hours umpiring both men's and women's games and held senior positions at club and association level.

Her nominator, Julie Collier, the women's master’s convener says, "preparing Michelle's nomination was easy, her service to hockey in this area has been outstanding.

“Currently, she’s vice president of the Manning Valley Hockey and she’s been the association’s women's registrar since 2007. In 2011 she became the women’s chairperson and held that position for five years. In 2013 she was awarded the Robyn Fernley Trophy for the most dedicated player.’’

At a club level, Michelle is a life member of the Taree West Raiders and has played for the club for over 30 years. She’s been the women’s match committee delegate for the club for the last 10 years. When her sons Zac and Tye played junior hockey, she coached, umpired and went away with representative teams.

Michelle explained that even today she still gets, "great enjoyment out of watching my husband Rod and our two sons Tye and Zac play hockey.’’

She started hockey at Taree High School aged 12. For the last 20 years she's been involved with the women's masters, playing goalkeeper and helping to organise all the details when the association takes up to four teams away to championships.

“I love  hockey and all that’s associated with it. I’ve formed some great friendships over the many years.’’