Volunteers at Community Sport honoured at prestigious NSW Community Sports Awards
Sport NSW delivered the annual NSW Community Sport Awards at Bankwest Stadium on Thursday the 17th of June, acknowledging the outstanding contributions and commitments to NSW community sport over the past year.
Carolyn Campbell, Sport NSW Chairperson, congratulated the finalists and award winners for their exceptional achievements and also emphasised the voluntary dedication that over 500,000 people commit to make NSW community sport the best it can be.
“Community sport has an unrivalled ability to transcend culture, ability and background and to bring people together… NSW would not be able to enjoy the activities they love without the dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers we celebrate tonight,” Ms Campbell mentioned.
“While COVID-19 has impacted our lives in so many ways over the past 12 months, the role of community sport has been more vital than ever, helping restore and uphold the physical and mental health of the NSW community,” added Ms Campbell.
Recognising finalists and winners across ten award categories, the 2021 NSW Community Sports Awards highlighted the contributions made by officials, coaches, administrators, teams, clubs, events and Councils. The Awards evening also celebrated the prestigious Distinguished Long Service Awards presented to 23 recipients. These awards honour the individuals from a wide range of sports who have given exceptional service to their sport over a period of decades.
Click here to watch the recording of the ceremony>
Click here to view a gallery of photo highlights from the event.
For any enquiries regarding the NSW Community Sports Awards - please contact info@sportnsw.com.au.
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2021 Sport NSW Community Sports Awards Category Winners
YOUNG OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
Mason Colwell - Touch Football
Mason is a referee at four different Touch affiliates. He regularly supports inter-school Touch competitions and is consistently selected to referee at major tournaments, including Grand Final and State of Origin matches. At just 20 years old, Mason is a Level 6 Referee and is actively involved at Peninsula Touch Association in his role as Referee Coordinator. He is a wonderful leader who has created a supportive culture and dedicates time to mentor and nurture the next generation of referees.
COMMUNITY OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
Gregory Smith - Rowing
Gregory officiates Rowing from regional to international regattas, including 20 regattas on the Rowing NSW calendar in the last year. In recognition of his commitment and skill, Gregory was recently named as part of the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games Rowing jury. Aside from his international duties he assesses and mentors trainee officials in NSW and works with Rowing NSW to provide educational sessions and programs. Gregory is passionate about the sport of rowing, and his commitment and leadership is an example for other officials in NSW and Australia to follow.
YOUNG COACH OF THE YEAR
Drew Fryer - Athletics
Drew coaches a number of young athletes at state and national level, leading them to various medals and personal bests. With a focus on driving good culture, Drew believes that one of his key roles as a coach is to make training enjoyable. Drew is enthusiastic and committed and continued to show his devotion through COVID-19 by providing online programs and holding regular zoom sessions with his athletes.
COMMUNITY COACH OF THE YEAR - joint winners
Bec Bulley - Netball
In 2020, Bec led North Shore United to their maiden victory in the Netball NSW Opens Premier League competition. Bec is an athlete-centred coach, a determined competitor with strong tactical intuition, a generous and effective coach educator, and a willing mentor to other coaches. To her players, Bec is both an inspiration and a support. She is well admired and respected in the Netball world.
David Groom - Judo
David has coached State and National junior athletes to numerous medals. With an emphasis on building camaraderie, David conducts successful school programs for hundreds of kids in the Sydney area, teaching skills in a fun environment and focusing on developing the mental wellbeing of his athletes. He mentors younger athletes aspiring to coach and recently set up an online resource for club members.
Johanna Tarrant - Rowing
Johanna coaches students from U16 to U19 at Grafton High School and Grafton Rowing Club, with a focus on creating a positive and inclusive environment. Despite limited resources and financial constraints, Johanna has led her students to many successes, including the girls finishing second in the total point score at the 2021 Combined High Schools Championships. She collaborates well with other coaches and schools, always putting the students’ aspirations first.
COMMUNITY SPORT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR
Michelle Slack-Smith - Volleyball
Michelle is a passionate administrator whose dedication has seen the Hunter Volleyball Club thrive in recent times. In her role as President, Michelle has positively impacted the organisation across the board – from implementing good governance to starting new competitions, increased social events, delivery of school programs, sourcing new venues, and managing the clubs communications. Michelle’s commitment is unwavering and has truly set the foundations for long term growth and success of the club.
VOLUNTEER DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR - joint winners
Joe Dougall - Touch Football
Joe has been the President of Balmain Junior Touch Association since inception and has recently focused on acquiring new amenities for the club. Joe has taken the lead on this project, working with council, lobbying government, seeking community feedback and much more. Joe continued to dedicate his time during COVID-19 and was proud to have 1,500 juniors participate in their spring competition. He is a humble Director who always goes above and beyond to ensure all players are catered for.
Kip Stavrou - Martial Arts
Kip has worked tirelessly to develop the World Martial Arts Alliance as the peak body for Martial Arts in NSW. He is passionate about raising the profile of smaller sports and works hard to ensure opportunities are available for people of all abilities and diverse backgrounds, including in regional NSW. Through Kip’s good governance and dedication, the organisation has grown to nearly 1000 members and is now financially sustainable.
COMMUNITY TEAM OF THE YEAR
Crusaders Youth League Men - Basketball
The Central Coast Crusaders Youth League Mens Team were crowned Basketball NSW Waratah League Division 1 Champions for 2020. For their efforts, Crusaders players won 6 of 10 available end of season individual awards, selection in NSW Country representative teams to play against the state’s best, and six players secured opportunities to play in the USA college/university system in 2021. During COVID -19, members of the team promoted skill development via social media, creating challenges and maintaining social connection amongst the community.
COMMUNITY CLUB OF THE YEAR - joint winners
Balmain Rowing Club - Rowing
The Balmain Rowing Club thrived in 2020/21. Their hard-working committee increased revenue through greater participation, fundraising, community hall hire, sponsorships and grants – and ran a range of events to promote community involvement including a women’s indoor ‘Community Crew’ and Learn to Row programs in schools and CALD communities. The Para-Rowing program and it’s award winning coaches earned an amazing seven Australian Rowing Championship medals – thanks to their dedication and support to run a community program for people with disability during a pandemic.
Northern Barbarians Rugby Club - Rugby
In 2020, over 30 Northern Barbarians players and coaches were selected for Eastwood representative honours, with many moving on to the Shute Shield and Colts programs and even selection in NSW and Australian Juniors squads. Their new committee has seen participation and revenue growth, with strong female representation in players and on the board, and engage with NSW Rugby to host events at their ground for coaching and mentoring development. They hold events for all registered players and their families to enjoy and during COVID were able to assist some affected families with costs.
COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR
NSW Senior State Cup - Touch Football
The premier event for NSW Touch Football, the Senior State Cup brought 3315 players from under 20s to over 60s together to play over 900 games across 3 days. The first event held in the Port Macquarie Hastings LGA since the pandemic provided a much needed economic boost for the area and attracted significant media interest - including unprecedented demand for the online live stream games.
LOCAL COUNCIL OF THE YEAR
Blacktown City Council
Working hard to deliver opportunities before, during and after COVID, Blacktown City Council ran more than 4000 events for over 400,000 visitors across community, elite and professional sport. In addition to 157 new sports facilities currently in progress, Blacktown have developed the International Centre of Training Excellence sports science facilities; Reserve 980 in Schofields multisport facility; the Great West Walk with 65kms of paths; and expansion of Kevin Betts Stadium as the home of disability sport and inclusion.
Distinguished Long Service Award Recipients
Neil Anderson - Sailability
Neil was a pioneer for the concept of Sailing for People with a Disability and assisted with the first ‘Come and Try Day’ which was held in 1995 at Dobroyd Aquatic Club. Since then, Neil has taken on roles in NSW and Australian Sailability committees and has been instrumental in organising conferences and encouraging people of all abilities to participate. Neil has set up many Sailability branches across NSW and internationally.
Jim Auld - Football
Jim Auld has been involved in football as a volunteer and administrator for the past 37 years. He began his commitment at Umina Beach in 1985 and since 1996 has been involved in many roles at the Dubbo Westside Panthers. Jim was inducted as a Life Member of the club and over the years has received a number of local and state awards recognising his contribution to the development of football.
Basil & Jean Baldwin - Orienteering
For nearly 50 years, Basil and Jean have organised, coached, course-set and provided club leadership in orienteering. They have been key in establishing orienteering as a community sport for all ages and provide pathways to elite competition. Basil has consistently been the sport’s technical backbone, has won numerous State and National Championships and both Basil and Jean have represented Australia at the Oceania Championships. Jean was awarded an Australia Day medal in 1994 as Senior Sportsperson of the Year and has twice been a finalist in the Orange Sportsperson of the Year awards.
Les Bouveng - Touch Football
For more than 27 years, Les Bouveng has made a considerable contribution to Touch Football, undertaking many roles on the Sydney Rebels Touch Association committee. Since 2005, as the Regional Director, Les has had a significant role in the development of pathways for players within the Sydney catchment. Les is the longest standing current Regional Director and his wisdom and historical information can always be counted on.
Bruce & Joan Clark - Paddle
Husband and wife team, Bruce and Joan Clark, have each devoted over 40 years to paddling clubs and the local community. They have each shared and undertaken a number of committee positions and the Cronulla Sutherland Kayak Club simply would not have survived without their dedication and commitment to local paddling. Bruce and Joan are responsible for the development of the next generation of paddlers in the Shire.
Vernon Cross - Little Athletics
Vernon has worked tirelessly over the past 38 years to develop the Riverstone Little Athletics Centre and ensure its sustainability as the community grows. Vernon’s first role was Championships Officer from 1983-2006, before being elected as President from 2006-2020. During this time, Vernon led many initiatives and was instrumental in the upgrades to Riverstone Park, including a new clubhouse and equipment storage area. A Life Member of the club, Vernon is now a mentor and inspiration to many.
Peter Dow - Motorcycling
Peter has been a supportive grandfather to the sport of motocross over many years. In 1980 his interest in Wesley Wheels lead him to join the Macarthur DMSC and in 1999, he helped secure a property which was a safe and supervised place for young people to ride. Peter was also heavily involved in the setup of the Flat Track facility at Appin, providing a space for riders to enjoy their sport in both social and competitive settings.
Bob Hockley - Motorsport
Bob has served motorsport for many years and in many guises. From 1979, Bob has received a number of awards recognising his selfless contributions to Motorsport, which was emphasised when he received the Service Star from Motorsport Australia in 2020. He also holds many accreditations, allowing him to be Chief Scrutineer and Chief Steward on the international and state levels. Bob has undertaken numerous roles within Motorsport and his extensive contribution is extraordinary.
Anne Jenkins - Hockey
Anne has been an instrumental part of the growth of Hockey in the Northern Beaches area for the last 25 years. Anne has had a wide range of involvement from President of the Warringah Hockey Association to the establishment of new clubs at Elenora Heights and Terrey Hills. Anne is still an active player in masters competitions and an umpire and coach in her regular local competition on the Northern Beaches.
Grahame Jenkinson - Cricket
Fondly known as “Jenko”, Grahame is the heartbeat of the Toronto Workers District Cricket Club, having volunteered his time for over 57 years. An icon for Cricket across the region, he is best known for his 40 consecutive years as the first grade scorer but has also held countless roles on the committee. Grahame’s contribution to Cricket is immeasurable and his enthusiasm and passion continue to inspire the wider community.
Dale Keogh - Judo
Dale started Judo in 1956 and in 1969 established the Castle Hill Judo club. Dale has been actively engaged in coaching Judo for over half a century and has also been appointed to the National and Oceania sports commissions. Her commitment is incomparable and for her efforts was awarded a life membership of Judo NSW. Dale is an icon of the sport and a flawless role model.
Max Laybutt - Karting
Max started karting in 1959 in rural Condobolin and quickly became an official and public officer of the Club. In 2003 Max was appointed as the Treasurer of Karting NSW and in 2004 was appointed National Treasurer. Max is passionate about assisting with the training of new officials and drivers to the sport. Karting NSW has been lucky to have Max in his various roles over his 62 years in the sport.
Valmai Loomes - Athletics
Valmai has been a volunteer administrator at Illawarra Blue Stars Athletics Club for 58 years, starting at age 18 as Treasurer of the club and a year later elected Secretary, a position she has now held since 1964. Valmai has been a committed leader and advocate for sport in Wollongong, and has been instrumental in the establishment of the track and field program at Illawarra Sports High School.
Ellen Monaghan OAM - Netball
Ellen is the Vice President and a Life Member of the Newcastle Netball Association. She has been involved as an umpire and manager since 1980 and has held the role as manager of the Marie Little OAM Shield team since 2013, working tirelessly to support and promote opportunities for athletes with Intellectual Disability. Ellen is an outstanding member of Netball NSW – always going above and beyond in her many roles.
Ellena Morris - Special Olympics
Ellena has volunteered her time and expertise to Special Olympics in the field of swimming for the past 25 years. Her dedication across a number of roles and responsibilities in the community and at state level has directly benefited people with disability and increased pathways to sports participation. Ellena has also been recognised as a life member of Swimming NSW and Coalfields United Amateur Swimming Club.
Jane Noake - Masters Swimming
Jane joined Masters Swimming NSW in 1992 and for over 30 years has accomplished a long list of successful voluntary contributions and achievements for her Club and Branch. Jane delivered the 2009 World Masters Swimming Games and since 2010 has served on the National Swim Meet Committee. Jane has also held many committee positions at club level at Seaside Pirates and Wests Auburn and has been nominated and received Life Membership for both these clubs and for MSNSW.
Eino Okkonen - Wheelchair Sports
Eino Okkenen is the heart and soul of Wheelchair Basketball in the Illawarra Region. He was the founder of Illawarra Wheelchair Basketball and instrumental in setting up the Roller Hawks National League team. Eino has been a member of Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT since 1996 and continues to work on the committee for the Wheelchair Basketball Illawarra Festival. Eino’s commitment extends past his region - also working to grow Wheelchair Basketball across the state and ACT.
Jim Papas - Football
Jim served on the Newcastle Olympic FC committee for over 30 years, spending two decades as president. Sadly, Jim passed away this year following a battle with leukemia and will be greatly missed however his contribution will not be forgotten. Jim was dedicated to providing a home for community members and a facility to be proud of. He was a mentor to many and for all his unwavering work was awarded the club’s first ever life membership.
Neil Rogers - Swimming
Neil commenced his career in swimming when he joined the Birrong ASC during the 1974/75 season, and his passion for the sport led him to take secretary and president positions within his local clubs. Over the years Neil has worked at international meets in different capacities, and served for over 20 years on Swimming NSW Committees and Board. Neil’s passion for volunteering and service to the swimming community is an inspiration for all.
Wendy Torr OAM - Riding for the Disabled
Wendy has been involved with the RDA Ryde centre for 37 years. Wendy has held many significant coaching roles, including coaching coordinator, and developed a new coaching and assessing manual which is used as the basis for RDANSW activities. Wendy was awarded life membership of RDANSW in 2006, has held the position as chairperson of the State Coaching Committee of RDANSW since 2010, and has been recognised with an Order of Australia Medal for her dedication.
Mark Windon OAM - Surfing
Mark has dedicated the last 50 years of his life to the progression of surfing. He has been heavily involved with all levels of governance and directorship and holds both coaching and judging accreditations. Mark has managed some of the biggest surfing events in Australia over the past 20 years. His dedication and level of professionalism has led to him receiving the Order of Australia Medal for his service to the sport of surfing.