Vale Shirley Tonkin (née Haines)

Hockey WA is deeply saddened by the passing of hockey legend Shirley Tonkin (née Haines), one of the most influential and admired figures in the history of women’s hockey in Western Australia.

Shirley’s legacy is woven into one of the most successful eras the sport has seen in this state. A driving force behind Western Australia’s golden period throughout the 1960s, she helped set a standard of excellence that shaped generations to come.

An exceptional midfielder and strike forward, Shirley was revered for her skill, composure and intelligence on the field. She represented Western Australia in six state teams, competing in six national carnivals - with WA winning every single one. This remarkable achievement speaks not only to the dominance of the era, but to Shirley’s standing as one of its defining players.

At a time when opportunities for women in hockey were limited, Shirley still made a lasting mark on the international stage. She represented Australia 14 times and her achievements came in an era before women’s hockey was included in the Olympic Games. International tours were rare, often occurring only once every four years.

Shirley’s contribution to the sport was formally recognised with her induction into the WA Hockey Hall of Champions in 1995, and later as a Hockey WA Award of Merit recipient in 1996. More recently, Shirley was a 2025 inductee into the WA Sport Hall of Champions. She was widely regarded by teammates as the finest player of her generation - a sentiment that continues to resonate across the hockey community today.

Beyond her achievements, Shirley will be remembered for the impact she had on those around her and the legacy she leaves within our game.

Hockey WA extends its deepest condolences to Shirley’s family, friends and the many people whose lives she touched through hockey.