On Monday the 7th of September OEFN gathered to celebrate the lifeblood of community sport – the volunteers. Nearly 140 people attended our second annual Community Awards Night at Rochford Wines, including volunteers nominated by their clubs for 19 different awards. Coaches, trainers, team managers and social media teams were recognised for their efforts across the year, along with leaders driving support of mental health, social initiatives and women and girls in sport.
Seven club stalwarts were honoured for tenures up to 45 years of service, and the night culminated in the celebration of finalists and winners for Volunteer of the Year and Young Volunteer of the Year.
We extend our thanks to MS Group Australia as the main partner of this event, Rochford Wines for hosting, and SSA Sports, Whittles Body Corporate for their support of the evening. Most importantly, we thank all the volunteers that donate their time and passion to community sport, who are so crucial to keeping football and netball clubs alive.
List of awards and winners below:
Team Manager of the Year (Junior Football) – Sandi Sieger, Olinda Ferny Creek JFC
Team Manager of the Year (Senior Football) – David Peel, Seville FNC
Netball Coordinator of the Year – Sarah Bertram, Emerald FNC
Coaches of the Year:
Junior Boys/Mixed Football – Adele Ormsby, Woori Yallock JFC
Junior Girls Football – Darren Reid, Olinda Ferny Creek JFC
Junior Netball – Bonnie O’Connor, Monbulk FNC
Open Netball – Kayla Trussell, Woori Yallock FNC
U18’s Football – Bradley Mckenzie FNC
Senior Men’s Football – Nick Adam, Wandin FNC
Senior Women’s Football – Neil Busacca, Gembrook Cockatoo FNC
Women & Girls Positive Impact Award – Rachael Maxwell, Warburton Millgrove FNC
Mental Health or Social Initiative of the Year – Gabbie Smethurst, Pakenham Lions NC
Community Photographer of the Year – Corrie Considine
Outstanding Promotion of OEFN Theme Rounds – Sherice Oliver & Ryleigh Tesoriero, Mt Evelyn FNC
Best Club Social Media Award – Alex Woods, Warburton Millgrove FNC
Trainer of the Year – Stewart Johnson, Woori Yallock FNC
Young Volunteer of the Year – Hudson McLeod, Emerald JFC
Volunteer of the Year – Kyle Ousley, Yarra Junction JFC
Years of Service:
10+ Years – Sarah O’Neill, Pakenham Lions NC
10+ Years – Trudy Bond, Warburton Millgrove FNC
20+ Years – Neil Jorgenson, Warburton Millgrove FNC
25+ Years – Michael Smith, Woori Yallock FNC
30+ Years – Rodney McKail, Warburton Millgrove FNC
35+ Years – Shelley Gray, Powelltown FNC
45+ Years – Lesa Moate, Yarra Glen FNC
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