History
Competition hockey officially dates from 1930 with both men and women teams finding success in their early years. With the women winning their first grand final in 1933 and the men in 1936. Gordon Whitehead was the Club’s first state representative player selected in 1937, followed the year after by Laurie Felsch in 1938.

1939 NSW Hockey Team – starring our first two Ballina Hockey Club representatives, Gordon Whitehead and Laurie Felsch
After a brief lapse during the early years of the World War II, the Club reformed in 1944 and continued to grow with its home grounds at Clement Park (now Ballina High School grounds, McDonald Park). The fields at the time were maintained by Club members.
By the early 1950s the Club boasted our first junior teams, with our boys winning their first major premiership in 1958.
The 1980s saw a strong dominance of our A grade women under the coaching of Joy Teakin, they won 5 out of 7 grand finals during this period. 1988 saw the amalgamation of the men, women and junior clubs as a united Ballina Hockey Club.
2000 saw our Club’s 70th reunion. A booklet outlining the Club’s history in greater detail including old newspaper clippings and photos was researched and compiled by Chris Abbott and Maureen Bradbury (& others) for this auspicious occasion.
Ballina Hockey Club dominated the Mens’ Far North Coast A Grade competition in the 2000’s winning the A grade premierships in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and runners up in 2006. As one of the oldest clubs in the Association its continued success has been attributed to the great camaraderie that has always existed within its players and loyal supporters.
Club timelines
1929
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First Ballina teams enter the Far North Coast Association competition.
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1930
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Ballina Men and Women Hockey Clubs formed.
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1937
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Ballina’s first NSW state representatives selected (Gordon Whitehead).
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1950
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First Ballina junior boys’ team enters the Far North Coast competition.
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1979
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The Club’s home grounds (grass) changed from Clement Park (now Ballina High School grounds) to Kingsford Smith Park .
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1980
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Amalgamation of men and junior boys’ clubs.
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1983
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Ballina junior girls and Ballina High School teams become part of the women’s club.
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1983
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A breakaway ” East Ballina ” Club formed (rejoining in 1986).
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1983
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The brick club house at Kingsford Smith Park , jointly operated with Ballina Netball Association, was completed.
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1984
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Flood lights installed at Kingsford Smith Park (relocated from Hampton Park ).
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1986
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Ballina’s first Australian representative player selected (Nikki Roche, Australian U21).
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1989
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Ballina men and women clubs amalgamate.
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1992
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Ballina boasted the most state and NSW country junior representatives of any club in NSW.
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1992
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The Club commences procuring an artificial surface at Kingsford Smith Park (unsuccessfully).
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1994
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Sand-based turf built at Goonellabah. All first and second division games now played on the turf.
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2006
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The Club submits a development application to Ballina Council for the construction of a water based turf at Kingsford Smith Park .
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2007
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Creation of the Club’s website.
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2010
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Application for turf approved and funding obtained. First sod turned for the artificial surface in August.
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2011
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Ballina Hockey and Sports Complex (turf and new club house) completed and first games played in March.
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