CLUBS’ CHOICE: Warwick’s best sports volunteers
Check out the unsung heroes of Warwick’s rugby league, union, and AFL clubs in first instalment of series.
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SPORTS: Every community sports club relies on the hard work of volunteers, and Warwick associations are certainly no exception.
As another year of sport draws to a close, the Daily Newshas put the call out to Warwick’s sports clubs to nominate the unsung heroes of their 2020 season.
The first instalment of the series will kick things off by celebrating the volunteers of Warwick’s many football clubs – check out the list below.
WARWICK COWBOYS
VOLUNTEER: Donna Watson
Cowboys president Dayne Barrett said the club secretary’s work both on game days and behind the scenes make her a crucial member of the club.
“Part of the role Donna’s taken on includes things you don’t even think about on game days, like updating the live scores and everyday running of the club,” Barrett said.
“Even though we’re in COVID, there’s still emails coming in every day, registrations for next year, and all the background administration and events planning.”
VOLUNTEER: Carl Goodwin
Barrett said Carl’s contribution to the club as a runner and training partner was equally worthy of recognition.
“He runs our kicking tee out as one of our runners. He’s been volunteering for about 20 years, comes to all our training sessions, and will always give you a bit of advice,” he said.
WARWICK REDBACKS
VOLUNTEER: Dave Drewery
“He marks our oval, he’s always someone that we can ask a question, and he puts his hand up for a lot of the jobs, whether that’s the scoreboard, timekeeper, or grounds marshal,” White said.
“He’s a big club figure – whatever needs doing, he’ll put his hand up and has been doing that for years.”
VOLUNTEER: The Lamb family
Unable to choose just one, White said the Lamb family unit had also played an instrumental role in the Redbacks’ success.
“They were working in and managing the canteen, running the water, team manager, trainer, and even just helping around at the clubhouse when we had working bees,” he said.
“They put their hands up for everything this year, and they definitely need a thank you.”
WARWICK WATER RATS
Water Rats president Andrew Williams said there were a number of club members and supporters who made their season and men’s premiership win possible.
VOLUNTEER: Hayley and Al Blyton
“They look after the clubhouse and canteen, stock the bar, and do all the food,” Williams said.
“They’ve been doing it since the start of time, and it’s never unappreciated.”
VOLUNTEER: Guy Sugden
Williams said Guy’s ongoing commitment to keeping the club’s grounds in tip-top condition never went unnoticed.
“He does all the lawns, the ovals, and that sort of thing. He truly is a really important part of the club,” he said.
VOLUNTEER: Tess Enchelmaier
Williams said the club secretary and men’s team manager’s dedication to the club throughout the 2020 season was an integral part of the Water Rats’ success.
“With all the coronavirus concerns, none of this would have been possible without Tess,” he said.
“She worked with Rugby Queensland to get our COVID-Safe Plan organised, got to training early to make sure it was all set up, and just made it possible for us to get onto the field this year.”
WATTLES WARRIORS FOOTBALL CLUB
VOLUNTEER: Jo Frizzell
Despite the TRL season being cancelled, Wattles president Amanda O’Halloran said Jo’s consistent efforts as treasurer would be essential for getting the club back on its feet.
“Jo came back to us last year when we were in a bit of a pickle – she could see we were doing it tough and needed someone urgently,” O’Halloran said.
“It was great for us because she already knew the role, but she didn’t have boys playing or anything like that at the time.
“It was just out of the kindness of her heart, and she’s absolutely efficient at the job.”
COLLEGIANS JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB
VOLUNTEER: Mark Fischer
Collegians president David O’Leary said the club’s groundsman was vital to ensuring Warwick’s junior league stars could take the field for the past several years, especially during the pandemic.
“He does all the lawns and mowing, was the liaison with SDRC when we were getting all the works done, so it’s a fairly time-consuming job,” O’Leary said.
“Mark’s put countless hours into getting the field back up and running after all of our issues this year, and he definitely deserves some recognition.”
EASTERN SUBURBS JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB
VOLUNTEER: Kylie Hart
Even without a 2020 season for the club, Eastern Suburbs president Mel Nowlan said she would be remiss not to nominate the club’s treasurer and “go-to person”.
“Kylie is the treasurer, but she’s also the one who does everything, organises us all, and is just on top of everything,” Nowlan said.
“She’s the one who’s forever doing what needs to be done at the club, she’s just fantastic.”
WARWICK TOUCH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
VOLUNTEER: Jeff Morris
Warwick Touch Football Association president Justin Nolan nominated the club’s groundsman and committee member, recognising his consistent dedication to the sport.
“Jeff goes far and beyond both of those roles, he commits more than 100 per cent to those jobs,” Nolan said.
“Normally the groundsman job was just looking after our fields, but he goes over to mark and take care of other clubs’ fields our association uses.”
If there’s a club volunteer you think should be nominated in our next instalment, let us know. Send your nomination through to edit@warwickdailynews.com.au
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