Please attribute the following statement to Toni Cumpston, High Performance Director of Hockey Australia:
In a detailed letter delivered earlier today, I have advised the management and Board of Hockey Australia that I will be resigning from the role of High Performance Director, effective from 15 April 2021.
This is not a decision I have made lightly.
I have loved hockey since I was a girl, and I care deeply about my staff and those players who I have worked with at Hockey Australia since I commenced my role in 2016. I love my job and while I am very mindful this is an Olympic year, I feel I have been left with no choice but to resign from my position as it is untenable to continue in the present circumstances.
I was brought into Hockey Australia to address many of the problems that have existed within the organisation for a long period, including serious allegations of bullying and behavioural issues.
I have worked assiduously to improve the culture of Hockey Australia and our national sides, and in doing so I have always received strong support and encouragement from management and the Board.
However, in a very short space of time it has become evident that I no longer have the support of the Board of Hockey Australia to continue this work. I was left with no option but to engage Mr Josh Bornstein of Maurice Blackburn Lawyers to assist in finalising my departure from the organisation.
Despite my resignation, I will continue to be involved in the independent inquiry into concerns raised with Hockey Australia and the upcoming Sport Integrity Australia investigation, both of which I believe are vital to the wellbeing of our staff, players and our sport.
I am proud of what I have achieved during my time at Hockey Australia and I am deeply disappointed that I will no longer be involved with our country’s national hockey teams. I wish all players and staff the very best for the upcoming Olympics and I greatly hope our hard work pays off and that our teams are rewarded for their efforts – you deserve every success.
I will not be making any
