Vale Shirley Tonkin (née Haines)
Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and the Western Australian hockey community on the passing of Shirley Tonkin, a pioneer of Australian women’s hockey and a proud representative of her state and country.
Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends and the Western Australian hockey community on the passing of Shirley Tonkin, a pioneer of Australian women’s hockey and a proud representative of her state and country.
Shirley was one of Western Australia’s finest players of her era, forging her reputation as a skilful and determined midfielder and forward during a golden period for WA women’s hockey. Debuting for Western Australia as a teenager, she went on to play a central role in multiple national championship-winning campaigns, helping elevate the standard and profile of the women’s game at a time when opportunities and recognition were far more limited than they are today.
In 1963, at just 19 years of age, Shirley was selected in the Australian National Team, the first of multiple national call-ups that would follow in 1964, 1965, 1966 and 1969. Across that period, she earned 14 caps for Australia, proudly representing her country on the international stage. She toured to the IFWHA Tournament in Philadelphia and travelled extensively throughout the USA and Canada, competing against the world’s best and helping strengthen Australia’s standing in international women’s hockey.
Shirley’s legacy also lives on through her family. She was the proud grandmother of Shanea Tonkin, Hockeyroo #509. The Tonkin name has become synonymous with dedication to the green and gold, reflecting Shirley’s enduring influence both on and off the field.
In recognition of her significant contribution to the sport, Shirley was inducted into the Western Australian Hockey Hall of Fame. A tribute to a career that helped shape the foundations of women’s hockey in Australia.
Shirley’s legacy extends far beyond her playing achievements. She was part of a generation that paved the way for future Australian teams, laying important groundwork for the continued success of our national women’s program.
On behalf of Hockey Australia, we thank Shirley for her outstanding service to the game and for the example she set for generations of players who followed.
Our thoughts are with her loved ones and all those across the hockey community who were touched by her life.
Rest in peace, Shirley. Forever Hockeyroo #212.
