Matt Gohdes is just one of 16 "Kookaburras" heading to London this northern summer to represent Australia in the Olympic hockey tournament, and his mum Kim couldn't be more proud...

Kim has worked on CQUniversity's Rockhampton campus for a number of years, and says she is looking forward to seeing Matt represent his country as well as his hometown and his family.

Matt Gohdes (right) pictured with fellow Rockhampton hockey product Jamie Dwyer

"We're extremely proud. He knew this is what he wanted to do from quite a young age" she says.

"He's very excited to make the big step up; he's realising his dream. We're going to be over there watching every minute of it."

Matt has been working towards this point for over three years, having moved permanently to Perth in 2009 to train at the Australian Institute of Sport, and has since donned the green and gold at the highest level on more than 50 occasions.

Matt is also the cousin of Australian hockey's golden boy Jamie Dwyer, who's brother in law is fellow Rockhampton icon Mark Knowles. Both will be joining Matt in London.

"All three of them started junior hockey in Rockhampton. Jamie and Mark are a bit older than Matt but they've been really good mentors for him" says Kim.

Matt also has two older brothers - Dale, 24 and Ryan, 26 - who have also been mentors for him on his journey.

His brothers have also enjoyed success on the hockey field, with Ryan prolific amongst the Rockhampton competition and Dale having just returned from a stint with a semi-professional side in Belgium.