New Faces Join Hockey NSW Board

Several fresh faces have recently been added to a new-look Hockey NSW Board that will lead the organisation into an exciting phase of growth and change.

Sonny Chadha, Corrine Rochester and Wayne Snell were appointed as Directors earlier this year, bringing a wealth of professional experience, knowledge and diversity to the existing Board.

The appointments were made after the Julianne Welbourn, Simon Babbage and Craig Colvin stepped down from the Board in late 2021.

With decades of involvement in hockey from grassroots participation, right through to the highest international levels, the three new additions have an in-depth understanding of the sport, as well as  important links to key stakeholders and the community.

At the Hockey NSW Annual General Meeting in late-March, Melissa Bestwick was elected as a new Director, while Adriana Care was re-elected for a second term on the Board.

Bestwick has been involved with grassroots hockey for over twenty years and has significant governance experience thanks to her role as President of Bathurst Hockey Association.

Following her election at the AGM, Care will continue on in her role as President, supported by new Vice-President Snell.

Hockey NSW extends a warm welcome to our new Board members, and congratulates Adriana and Wayne on their appointments.
 

Melissa Bestwick

Melissa is a passionate hockey individual who has served her local hockey association, Bathurst for over 27 years across several roles within Club & Association, most notably as President for eight years.

Melissa’s love for hockey was instant after being born to parents who both played & this has carried through to her own family. Melissa has been involved in hockey for nearly 40 years & has represented as a player, umpire & coach at both junior & senior levels & is dedicated to the future of hockey.

Professionally, Melissa manages a Real Estate firm coupled with a background in the legal & conveyancing fields.

Corrine Rochester

Corinne is passionate about Hockey and has been involved with all levels of Hockey for over 15 years. Until recently, Corinne was a Board Member of Sydney Hockey Association and is also the former Club President of UNSW Hockey Club (2016 – 2018 inclusive).

Corinne’s passion for hockey started as a Year 7 student at St Vincent’s College Potts Point when she put her hand up to play the position of Goalkeeper. Corinne has continued to enjoy playing, coaching, managing, expanding and developing her knowledge of the game throughout her life.

Professionally, Corinne is a People and Development Consultant who holds a Master of Commerce and Bachelor of Science (Psychology).

Sonny Chadha

Sonny Chadha is a proud Hockey NSW Community Ambassador who helps engage multicultural communities and promotes the sport of Hockey.

Sonny’s involvement in Hockey for the past 40 years in Sydney, London and Singapore has provided him with a sense of community, belongingness, healthy lifestyle and family fun. Sonny currently plays in the Sydney Hockey League for Northern Districts Hockey Club and in the Sydney Men’s Masters Competition for UTS.

Sonny comes to Hockey NSW with over 20 years of professional commercial achievements gained in Technology, eCommerce, Logistics and Supply Chains. With a focus on delivering profitable growth across ANZ, Asia and the EU.

Outside of Hockey, Sonny is a current Board Member within the education sector and holds an undergraduate degree from Newcastle University and postgraduate degrees from University of Technology, Sydney.

Wayne Snell

Wayne Snell is the current Director of Concepts and Capabilities at the Australian Civil Military Centre. Wayne commenced this role in June, 2020 after serving nearly two years as the Director of Police and Emergency Services in Afghanistan for NATO. He has also served as the Commander State Operations for the NSW State Emergency Service and with the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), the Australian Federal Police, NSW Police, WA Police, Edith Cowan University and as a self-employed consultant.

Wayne holds tertiary qualifications & training in forensic science, management, investigations, fire and explosion investigation, traffic crash and traffic homicide investigation and reconstruction, occupational health and safety, board directorship and adult education.

Wayne has experience in emergency management, civil military coordination, sports integrity, policing, investigations and related law enforcement roles including general duties, traffic and highway patrol, criminal investigations, aviation security policing, counter terrorism, intelligence and forensics.

Wayne is currently the Chair of the International Hockey Federation Integrity Unit (FIU).

Wayne is a lifelong hockey player, administrator and official, an avid fisherman and outdoors man and enjoys reading and study for pleasure and profession. Wayne also volunteers for the NSW State Emergency Service and the Rural Fire Service.