Volunteer Recognition

Community Rugby League heroes to be recognised in the 2024 National Volunteer Awards

19 Jun 2024

Community Volunteer Awards

The Community Volunteer Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of volunteers across the community game. Nominations for 2025 will open on August 4th.

2024 WINNERS

Volunteer of the Year – Rob Ashton

Coach of the Year (Open Age) – Colin Baker

Junior Coach of the Year – Trevor Penrose

Grounds Person of the Year – Jason Greenwood Macdonald

Social Impact Volunteer of the Year – Dianne Higgins

Disability Volunteer of the Year – Mathew Jackson

Women and Girls Volunteer of the Year – Gemma Wells

Social Rugby League Volunteer of the Year – Louise Scarr

2024 Services to Community Rugby League Awards

Michael Turner

2024 AWARDS CATEGORIES

Volunteer of the Year

Awarded to a volunteer in any role who has made an outstanding contribution to their organisation or the sport. This person may have made an impact through coaching, team management, fundraising, event organisation, governance, facility maintenance, volunteer coordination, community engagement, or administration.

Coach of the Year

Awarded to the coach (Open Age) who has created an environment that allows players to develop and realise their potential while enjoying the game. This coach leads by example embodying values of respect and integrity. This award can recognise year-on-year improvement.

Children’s Coach of the Year

Awarded to the coach whose efforts help junior players (U18 and below) to develop good behaviours, skills, and technique. This coach creates a fun and welcoming environment to allow young players to start and succeed in rugby league. This award can recognise year-on-year improvement.

Grounds person of the year

The unsung hero who takes pitch maintenance to another level and through whose efforts the players enjoy training and playing on a great surface. This person has shown a commitment to learning and developing the necessary skills to become a top groundsman.

Women and Girls Volunteer of the Year

Awarded to the person who has stood out in the Women and Girls game either by creating new opportunities or taking existing offers to the next level. This person has displayed a passion not only for progressing playing offers, but also supporting Women and Girls to get involved through coaching, officiating, and leadership roles.

Social Impact Volunteer of the Year

Awarded to a volunteer who has used the power of rugby league to make a positive social impact off the pitch. This person has delivered a project through a rugby league organisation or club that has contributed to improving the physical and mental wellbeing of members of their community.

Social Rugby Volunteer of the Year

Recognises a dedicated volunteer who has provided administrative or match delivery support in X-League, Masters, or Touch Rugby League competitions. This individual has been able to use social rugby league to keep people involved in the sport, reignite old passions, and provide opportunities for people to stay active and connected.

Disability / Inclusion Volunteer of the Year

Recognises a volunteer who has contributed to either Wheelchair, Physical Disability, or Learning Disability Rugby League. This person has shown a strong commitment to growing competitions, and developing participants making everyone feel welcome, respected, and empowered.

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