Volunteers at Community Sport honoured at prestigious NSW Community Sports Awards

Nine individuals and sports organisations received the prestigious 2022 NSW Community Sports Awards, presented by Sport NSW.

The Awards night, conducted at Commbank Stadium, recognised outstanding achievements and contributions to community sport in NSW over the past year which is largely carried out by a volunteer workforce.

The nine award winning category recipients were honoured at the ceremony hosted by NSW Minister for Sport, the Hon. Stuart Ayres MP.

Sport NSW Chairperson, Carolyn Campbell congratulated the Awards winners on their outstanding achievements over the past 12 months.

“Community sport is critical to restoring and upholding the physical and mental health of girls and boys, men and women, of all ages, said Ms Campbell.

“At the heart of community sport are the selfless volunteers who give up their precious time to ensure sports is played throughout the year. They are precious jewels within our sporting landscape who provide the framework and opportunity for our athletes to enjoy sport and to reach their potential.

“With World Championships, Olympic, and Commonwealth Games to be staged in Australia over the next decade, it is our magnificent community sport officials, coaches, clubs and administrators who will create the priceless foundation for our athletes to excel,” she added.

The Awards evening also celebrated 19 recipients of Distinguished Long Service Awards. These Awards honoured individuals across a broad range of sports who have given exceptional service to their sport over a period of decades.

Carolyn also congratulated the Distinguished Long Service Award recipients.

“Volunteers such as those we have acknowledged with this prestigious Award are the backbone of community sport in NSW,” said Ms Campbell.

“They are the dedicated, hard-working individuals who contribute countless hours to enable thousands of men and women, girls and boys, to enjoy the health and social benefits of community sport each weekend.

“They are the unsung heroes on which sports clubs and sports communities are built, and we are delighted to honour their unflagging, dedicated work with this prestigious Award,” added Ms Campbell

“Sport has been through massive challenges because of the pandemic, floods, and bushfires over the past few years, and it is because of the efforts of volunteers such as these 19 wonderful men and women that competitions have now resumed.

Sport NSW would like to thank all those who attended the ceremony tonight and congratulate of the finalists, winners, and distinguished long service recipients.  Without your dedication and support sport would exist.

For any enquiries regarding the NSW Community Sports Awards - please contact info@sportnsw.com.au. 

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2022 Sport NSW Community Sports Awards Category Winners 

COMMUNITY OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR

David Cooper - Swimming

YOUNG OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR

Lucy Hungerford - Northern NSW Football

Lucy referees in the NNSWF National Premier League Youth and Womens competitions. She is an invited member of the Northern NSW Football referee academy and will be offered an opportunity to referee at the FA National Championships, NNSWF Champion of Champion's, NNSWF Women's State Cup, and NNSWF Community Championships in 2022. Lucy embraces the challenge to officiate in higher grades of football and is held in high esteem by the younger referees, setting the benchmark and blazing a clear pathway for others to follow.

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COMMUNITY COACH OF THE YEAR

David Bruce - Little Athletics 

David has coached at Centre Competition, Zone Championships, Region Championships, State Track & Field Championships, and had 4+ athletes make the 2021/22 Australian Championships. No matter the situation David is unwaveringly stoical and cheerful and always puts in 100% effort to provide up to date, well researched and technically detailed coaching. He has embraced technology in his methods and found ways to engage with his athletes and continue to coach throughout COVID with online coaching sessions. He is a role model of the ethics of hard work and commitment, inspiring athletes to not only be the best version of themselves but also to give back and help others.

YOUNG COACH OF THE YEAR

Fin Geraghty - Football

Fin was a part of the NSFA coach pathway, coaching across various age groups from Junior, Youth, to coaching at Northern Tigers FC. Fin has been vital in the retention of players within both the Turramurra Utd Girls program (Diamond League) and the Northern Tigers Girls U14. Fin is a role model for younger coaches and has taken strides forward with his development having recently attended the B licence. During COVID, Fin continued to show a commitment to the players in the area by delivering online player development sessions to NSFA and Northern Tigers players.

COMMUNITY SPORT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

Ian Smith - Swimming

Ian is treasurer for Taree Torpedoes Swimming Club, and an active Technical Officer at local and North Coast meets. As treasurer, Ian has secured grants not only for his club, but is generous in sharing his skills with other clubs and Swimming North Coast. Ian recently designed and manufactured a starter’s stand which allows the dolphin starter to be positioned high up, making the light easily visible to timekeepers. This winter, Ian had made it possible for neighbouring clubs who do not have indoor facilities, to share Taree’s club nights, compiling the program, running timing and managing results.

VOLUNTEER DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

Michelle Biet - Rugby Union

In 2021/2022, Michelle went above and beyond in her role as a Sydney Junior Rugby Union Director. Firstly to establish and chair a sub-committee of volunteers who provide shared administration services to all SJRU Clubs, assisting smaller, less resourced clubs with player registrations, team administration and governance. Secondly was to help the Blacktown Scorpions following the sudden departure of their club president. Michelle stepped in as an interim club administrator - recruiting a new committee and managing club finances, gear, and players. Her efforts saved the club from collapse and sent a message to all clubs that the SJRU is there to support them.

COMMUNITY CLUB OF THE YEAR

Southend Boardriders Maroubra - Surfing

Southend Boardriders Maroubra is one of the biggest boardriding clubs in NSW with over 220 financial members and is the longest continuously running club in Sydney’s South. With a concerted effort Southend Boardriders has grown their female membership from 4 competing members in 2020 to 66 financial female members surfing in 2022. Unlike most other boardriding clubs in Sydney, when health orders permitted, Southend Boardriders ran point score rounds under strict COVID-19 controls without incident. The club also shared risk assessment and custom designed surfing themed COVID safety signage with other boardriding clubs

COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR

Challenge Her Team's Classic - Surfing

The Surfing NSW Challenger Her Team’s Classic is a new regional three-event grassroots surf teams series for women & girls of all ages and abilities in NSW. The events worked with local networks, communities, partners, brand and role models to help encourage female participation and aimed to increase female surfing exposure through media partnerships and channels with the event being broadcast live on Kayo. So far, 1,200 attendees, and over 200 females from across NSW have participated in the surf teams format that emphasises fun, collaborative surfing over individual competition. Alongside the events, 200 women participated in skills-based clinics to inspire and educate the wider community.

LOCAL COUNCIL OF THE YEAR

Central Coast Council

Central Coast Council has been consistently collaborating with local clubs, associations, and partners to help promote the region's variety of sport and to build connections within the community. Despite recording the highest number of COVID lockdown days outside of Greater Sydney, CCC ran over 34,000 opportunities for the community to stay active and participate in sport. They promoted and presented their accessible and inclusive sport and recreation resource for local clubs and associations at several sector events. CCC remained committed to supporting their local sport and recreation providers throughout COVID by providing regular news, and keeping everyone up to date on the latest advice for return to play

Distinguished Long Service Award Recipients 

Kevin Archer - Special Olympics

Joining as a volunteer in 1991, Kevin Archer has been crucial to the Special Olympics movement in the Hunter region. Stepping into any role required - including basketball coach, administrator, committee member and Ten Pin bowling, Kevin has dedicated thousands of hours to Special Olympics in all facets of sport. As the Chair of the Special Olympics Hunter club, Kevin has been a champion for athlete development, always managing to keep an athlete centred approach and supports several programs that directly benefit people with disabilities.

John Beasley - Surf Life Saving

A member of Lennox Head-Alstonville Surf Life Saving Club, John has contributed as a volunteer, an official and a respected leader – serving on several committees, and holding various club, branch, and state positions. He became a Life Member of Surf Life Saving NSW in 1978, Surf Life Saving Australia in 1999, and was awarded his 60 Year Long Service Award in 2014. John has also been honoured with an award only few members have achieved, which is the 60 Year Officiating Award at the 2022 State Championships.

David Bertenshaw - Football

As a Life Member of the Hawkesbury City Soccer Club, David has dedicated 41 years to the club as a committee member, 30 years as President, in addition to 21 seasons as the club's First Grade Coach.  He was behind the establishment of the Bensons Lane Football Complex (where the main field has been renamed ‘David Bertenshaw Field’) and the introduction of the SAP Program in 2017 (for elite U9-12s). In 2016, David was awarded the Charles Valentines Medal for Services to Football NSW.

Trevor Boyle - Deaf Sports

A respected member of the Wollongong Deaf Community, Trevor has used his skills and knowledge from 40 years with the Illawarra Table Tennis Association to share his enthusiasm for the sport with others, teaching them to play as well as helping transport them to and from events. He has been involved in Deaf Table Tennis NSW as a Committee member and President for over 35 years, and was awarded Life Member of the organisation. Trevor represented the Australian Table Tennis team at the Deaflympics and remains an active player to this day.

Kerry Campbell - Touch Football

Kerry ‘Joey’ Campbell has been involved in Touch Football for 50 years as a player, coach, referee, club president, manager, and groundskeeper. Kerry started playing at Newcastle City in 1972 and was the clubs first player selected in a state team in 1987. In 1986 he joined the Newcastle City TA committee and served as Club President from 1993-2020. Today, Kerry is still the Newcastle City groundskeeper, a fitting job as the Newcastle Touch Fields are named the Kerry ‘Joey’ Campbell Fields.

Darren Fowles - Hockey

Darren has given a lifetime of service to the sport he loves. He previously held the role of NSW Junior Hockey Association Umpire Director and oversaw all the officiating aspects of the Hockey NSW Talent Camps, and today, he still attends many of Hockey NSW’s State Championships in roles of Umpire, Umpire Coach and Technical Official. Darren has dedicated decades to developing officials within the state and is considered Hockey NSW officiating royalty amongst his peers.

Andy Halliday - Paddle

Inspired to try canoe slalom after watching the 1972 Olympics, Andy has spent decades as an Outdoor Pursuits Instructor and Assessor, and has been a committee member of the Shoalhaven Canoe and Kayak Club for over 25 years. A highlight of Andy’s service was his contribution to the 2009 World Masters Games, and he remains involved in the Canoe Education scheme on at club level. 

Chris Hayes - Swimming

A life member of the Deniliquin Swimming Club, Chris has been involved in the sport of Swimming for over 40 years, having first joined the club in 1978 as a coach before volunteering as a Technical Official. Chris worked his way through the various Technical Official Accreditations and since 1991 has served as a Club Referee. Chris has held roles within District, State, National and International Meets and still serves on the Swimming NSW Technical Swimming Committee.

Mark Hepple - Masters Swimming

Mark has been at the forefront of all things computer, website and IT for Masters Swimming for the past 25 years - producing programs, inputting times, and results, all the while working behind the scenes on a more user-friendly computer system for all meet requirements.  Mark designed and created two bespoke apps for the 2022 National Championships and was instrumental in the success of the 2009 World Masters Games. Mark also trains and advises clubs and members on systems and how a sport can technically grow, advance, and improve.

Laurie Keaton - Athletics

For 52 years Laurie has been a key official and administrator for Athletics in NSW/ACT. He served on the NSW Schools Athletics committee, CHS convenor, qualified NSW official, and a dedicated committee member, coach and official for the Nowra club. Laurie has officiated at Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Paralympics, and World Junior Championships. He was appointed an Area Technical Official with the IAAF/World Athletics, a role where he oversees and assists national and international competitions and guides and develops the top officials in our Oceania region

Howard McGarry - Little Athletics

Howard has been involved with Little Athletics for over 50 years, beginning with the Lake Illawarra Athletics committee and 18 years as Zone Coordinator. He has dedicated thousands of volunteer hours over the decades to help support, nurture and provide opportunities to countless Little Athletes. Howard has been involved in the development of officials and volunteers at Centre, Zone and Region level as well as providing immense support to the Lake Illawarra club.

Janet Morris - Orienteering

NSW has only one map-maker whose name appears on more than 50 orienteering maps, 40 year veteran orienteer Janet Morris. Janet has a particular interest in the development of junior orienteers, completing more than 20 maps for schools in the Sydney region, helping take orienteering to a younger age group and further facilitating their learning through both conversation and out in the field mapping training. Janet led the introduction of orienteering into Western Sydney, and has been twice recognised by Orienteering NSW with the Association’s Encouragement Award.

Jim O'Brien OAM - Wheelchair Sports

The Late Jim O'Brien OAM led Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT as CEO for 20 years, and then continued his contribution via his role as a Life Member. A tenacious fundraiser and passionate advocate, Jim led the organisation through many uncertain times and made a huge contribution to the sport. Generations of athletes in wheelchair sport owe their careers to Jim's hard work. Jim was also a Founding Director of Sport NSW, and a huge figure in the NSW Sporting landscape.

Anthony Rudd - Rugby Union

Tony has been a member of the Central Coast Rugby Union Referees Association for over 35 years, holding various committee positions including his current role as President. On the field, Tony refereed over 400 games for the association and was honoured with multiple higher representative appointments. He is a life member of CCRURA and of the NSW Country Rugby Union Referee Association for his years of leadership and dedication.

Terry Stewart - Tennis

Terry has been involved with Northern Suburbs Tennis Association for over 34 years, serving on the Committee of Management, as Junior Convenor, Vice-President, and President. Terry has also been the President of Kooroora Tennis Club, as well as Junior Director and Senior Vice President of NSW Hardcourt. During his time at NSTA he jointly developed junior tennis community initiatives such as the Primary School Challenge and secured junior tennis tournaments sanctioned by Tennis Australia and Tennis NSW.

Paul Tayler - Sailability

Paul has been the Treasurer of Sailability NSW for the past 25 years and his dedication to his position and to the members of the organisation has had a lasting impact. From being there for the running of the first come and try day in 1995 to being instrumental in assisting branches in their set up, operational and financial requirements, Paul’s leadership has helped to guarantee the continued success of the organisation and ensure branches stay committed to making a difference to the lives of people with a disability.

Les Taylor - Motorsport

Lithgow District Car Club Life member Les Taylor has served as the club secretary for 23 years and is now the current treasurer. Les is the key driving force behind the development of the club's newly opened Yvonne Martyn Memorial Motorsport Park after 30 years of planning. For his service, Les has been awarded life membership at several motorsports’ clubs and associations. Les has dedicated 26 years supporting motorsport through commentating, photography and as a media representative.

Lindsay Wood - Cricket

As well as a playing career spanning almost half a century, Lindsay Wood began his time as an administrator with the Black Hill club in 1964. His passion for cricket has seen him serve on countless committees since then, recognised with life membership at numerous clubs and associations. Lindsay has held roles in coaching, team management and as a selector and umpire for associations, clubs and representative teams, and has researched and written numerous local cricket histories. Lindsay has received a myriad of awards for his dedication to the game including an Australian Cricket Award for over 50 years’ service.

Brenda Zakaras - Northern NSW Football

Brenda has been a volunteer at Lennox Head Football Club since its inception in 1978. She was integral in getting the club off the ground, has held many positions including Secretary, Treasurer, and Team Manager. For over 40 years Brenda has run the canteen which is a significant source of fundraising for the club and is always the first to help families in need, often sourcing pairs of boots, shinpads and socks.