By: Tash Gunawardana
THE annual Knox Sport and Leisure Awards was held recently, recognising the hard work volunteers undertake in local sport and leisure clubs in the Knox region.
In particular, the awards focus on volunteers who work in a caring way to provide programs and opportunities that have a positive influence for the Knox community.
The awards for this year received a record 76 nominations and hosted more than 220 people from sport and leisure clubs across the Knox area.
Speakers at the ceremony included Olympic medallist Brooke Hanson OAM, Hawthorn Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell and Deakin Melbourne Boomers player Ezi Magbegor, all sharing their sporting journeys while recognising the volunteers who have supported them throughout.
The Club of the Year was awarded to the Bayswater Junior Football Club.
To be recognised as the Club of the Year, the club would need to have in place good governance structures, attended council’s club development workshops while also supporting and making their volunteers feel welcomed.
Bayswater junior president Mick Walker shared what it meant to him and the club to receive the prestigious award.
Bayswater junior president Mick Walker receives the Club of the Year award. PHOTO: Knox City Council
“Receiving the Knox City Council Club of the Year Award was a very humbling moment, given the list of such worthy nominations,” he said.
“Along with those nominated, there are so many fantastic organisations within the Knox community all doing terrific work with countless individuals all coming together to volunteer their hours for a greater good.
“For Bayswater Junior Football Club, the award is an absolute credit to all of the Bayswater JFC family.
“Our dedicated committee, coaches, team officials and parents who all contribute to the positivity around the club each and every week thoroughly deserve all the recognition.
“We have such a wonderful bunch of junior players who make all the work worthwhile.
“To see these young boys and girls grow each year on the field, but more importantly off the field in social development also, is so pleasing to see.”
Walker expressed that the club as a whole are proud of the award.
“Upon receiving this award and the days which followed, the many well wishes and sense of pride which not only our members expressed, but also those who are within the local community, showed just how unified our Club is,” he said.
“Bayswater Junior Football Club is in a very healthy space at present, and with the continued support of all involved as well as new volunteers coming through each year, an award such as this is something all can be proud of.”
The Club Person of the Year (Adult) award saw joint-winners, with Bayswater Junior Football Club secretary Beccy Dawber and Wantirna South Junior Football Club president Kevin Van Grondelle sharing the honours. The award is bestowed upon volunteers who are 18 years or older and contributed significantly to their respective clubs.
Dawber spoke of her excitement on receiving the award.
“The Knox Sport & Leisure Awards are an excellent initiative to recognise a broad range of sporting groups and volunteers across our community,” she said.
“It felt pretty special to receive this, alongside Kevin from Wantirna South JFC.
“The true reflection of this award is all credit to the volunteer committee and team officials I work with.
“They have enabled and encouraged me to do my best and we make an awesome team.
“The highlight of the night was definitely seeing the club awarded Club of the Year.
“I may be biased but I think very well deserved!”
Dawber is passionate about what she does at Bayswater.
“Working with a brilliant group of like-minded people with a ‘children first’ mentality and progressive attitudes does make for a positive experience as a volunteer,” she said.
“I’m just one of many that have given their time to make our club succeed along the journey and I’d just say if anyone is considering volunteering at the Bayswater JFC or Bayswater Auskick Centre in the future to please give it a crack, it’s a very rewarding and worthwhile experience.”
Wantirna South junior president Kevin Van Grondelle shared his happiness and appreciation at receiving the award.
“Whilst you don’t go into volunteering to be given awards, it is nice to know that others appreciate my efforts to the point of nominating me for the award,” he said.
“Winning the award, is acknowledgement not just of my work but the committee and team officials I have supporting me, as it is their efforts that help us deliver on the goals we have as a club.
“It also endorses the efforts we have undertaken to build partnerships with the Knox Council and the EFL to deliver better facilities and programs to support the growing number of players we have at the club.
“The acknowledgement from our club members and others in the wider community is also greatly appreciated as it shows that what we are delivering as a club is making a difference.”
Van Grondelle says it is fulfilling to be a volunteer at the Devils.
“Whilst there is a lot of effort behind the scenes to be able to work with the people who all commit their time, effort and knowledge towards a set of agreed goals and outcomes,” he said.
“(Also), getting to know them socially and has been an awesome benefit for myself and my family.
“I believe having a community group that you can join and feel a part of plays an important role in society and at the Devil’s this is an integral part of what the club is about and it makes you want to join in and help however you can.
“Finally, to see all the children learning new skills and having fun via attending Auskick or training and playing games of football with their teammates is what makes volunteering so enjoyable.”
Meanwhile, Kate Potter from the Scoresby Magpies Junior Football Club was awarded the Women in Sport Leadership award.
The award recognises female volunteers who have made a significant contribution to their club whilst holding a position(s) of leadership such as a president, coach or official.
Potter was thrilled to be the award recipient of the Women in Sport Leadership award.
“It was a timely reminder that you don’t need to be part of the biggest club with the most number of teams to be able to make a difference to the kids and families in your community,” she said.
“The award has been a great encouragement to me and the club committee in pursuing our plans and strategic direction, even when we experience challenges or things don’t go as smoothly as we would wish.
“The recognition for commitment and hard work has re-energised me and helped me to focus on the goal of being child-centred in everything we do and continually striving to find innovative new ways to broaden our appeal to the kids of Scoresby and the surrounding suburbs.”
The Eastern Football League wishes all award recipients a warm congratulations.