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2016 Knox Sport and Leisure Awards

Volunteers are an integral part of all sporting activities within the local community. Every day hundreds of volunteers work tirelessly to keep clubs running, resulting in the opportunity for people to become active and engaged in the community. These volunteers are the life blood of many organisations, and Knox City Council would like to say thank you and acknowledge the efforts of these fantastic people.

On 29th June 2016, Knox City Council hosted its inaugural Knox Sport and Leisure Awards evening to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of individuals and sporting clubs who contribute to the happiness and wellbeing of the community.

Special guest speaker and Australian aerial skiing legend Jacqui Cooper inspired the crowd with her tails of courage, determination, commitment and ultimate success. Jacqui spoke on how volunteers at both a local and international level had such a positive impact on her career, and reiterated the importance of volunteers in sport and leisure.

Knox City Council congratulates all nominees and especially congratulates the following winners:

Club of the Year Award

Knox City Football Club

Since the club’s establishment in 1951, then known as the Bayswater Soccer Club, the Knox City Football Club has been a leader in the local sporting community.

The club is well known for its diversity, with veteran’s teams being fielded and a strong junior program with close to 200 participants. This junior program is supported through well run school and community clinics. The club also fields a veteran’s team.

A proud supporter of the White Ribbon Foundation, the Club fields a women’s team and actively promotes the important role that women play in local sport.

The All Nations Cup, an event which celebrates cultural diversity through soccer, is proudly organised by the Club, with the event widely regarding as the best local multicultural sporting event in Victoria.

Best Club Initiated Program Award

Knox BMX Club

The Knox BMX Club’s coaching program has grown remarkably over the last five years, increasing from four riders on a Saturday morning to over 100 riders over four days. The program is tailored for all levels, from beginners to advanced. Additional coaching sessions are run specifically for girls as well as a BMX Mums class for the adults.

Knox City Football Club

The Knox City Football Club proudly hosts the annual All Nations Cup, a tournament that promotes social harmony amongst a diverse range of communities. The tournament, which celebrated its 30th year in 2016, is considered the largest multicultural soccer festival in Melbourne, and consists of 20 countries playing off for football glory.

Health and Wellbeing Award

Knox BMX Club

The Knox BMX Club has been at the forefront of healthy eating within the Knox sporting community. The club has overhauled their canteen to ensure patrons have a large selection of healthy options available as an alternative to fried food. Food options currently being stocked include salads, rice dishes, wraps, healthy pasta dishes and fruit. The club also promotes a smoke free environment, as well as an alcohol free environment. The Knox BMX Club is a fantastic example of how a club can raise money through social functions without the need to sell alcohol.

Club Person of the Year Award (Adult)

Stuart Draffin

Stuart has fulfilled many roles at the Eildon Park Tennis Club including Vice President, Secretary, Junior Convenor and Membership Convenor. Stuart has also been influential in the development of infrastructure at the club, playing key roles in major infrastructure projects, minor projects, club promotions and club events. Stuart also actively volunteers to assist the club in other ways including undertaking repairs and maintenance work to the club facilities. Stuart’s skills, knowledge and boundless energy are keys factors in the growth and success of the largest tennis club within the City of Knox.

Club Person of the Year Award (Junior)

Winston Wu

Winston is a reliable and passionate member of the Rowville Tennis Club. Winston was a key driver in designing the club’s new t-shirts and assists with club promotions by volunteering his time to man stalls at events such as the Stringybark Festival. Winston has been described as a ‘true asset to the club’ given his generous nature and willingness to help.

Women in Sport Leadership Award

Casey Eruvelil

Casey has been an influential figure at the Upwey Tecoma Junior Football Club. Casey’s tireless efforts have ensured that the implementation of online registrations for players has been seamless, and that communication between the club and its members is open and transparent. Casey’s technological prowess has resulted in the development of an app for coaches to communicate with their team, as well as the development of a club magazine which can only be described as the pinnacle magazine of every local sporting club. Despite juggling four young boys and a full time job, Casey is the first to put her hand up to assist, including when she became Secretary when the role was left vacant. No job is too big or small for Casey – She is always there, happy to help and willing to find a way.

Kay Clements

Kay has been inspirational in the running of the Scoresby Wantirna South Tennis Club’s Saturday morning junior pennant. Over the last 10 years Kay has worked tirelessly to ensure the club’s junior participation increases, and has been very successful in doing so. Kay’s role as junior convenor with both the Knox District Tennis Association and Waverley District Tennis Association is imperative to the success of the club. Kay also performs the difficult role of club Treasurer as well as being the club’s member convenor. On top of this, Kay also manages the ‘My Tennis’ website. Kay’s willingness to volunteer her time to assist the club, despite not playing tennis, is a key factor to the club’s success, and was vital in the successful merger between Scoresby Tennis Club and Wantirna South Tennis Club.

Years of Service Awards

Gunther Prislan (55 Years of Service)

Gunther commenced volunteer work with the Knox City Football Club in the 1960’s. Since this time, Gunther has performed a variety of roles including Coach, Team Manager and Grounds Keeper. Gunther continues to offer his support to the club through other volunteer roles.

Cor Teeuw (45 Years of Service)

Cor has been at the centre of Knox City Football Club and its history, and is very highly regarded across the Melbourne soccer community. Cor has undertaken many roles within the club including Coach, Team Manager, Secretary and President, a role which he only recently stepped down from after 20 years in the position. Cor remains an active member of the club’s committee including organiser of the All Nations Cup tournament.

Shirley Dalgleish (45 Years of Service)

Shirley commenced volunteering at the Scoresby Wantirna South Tennis Club in 1971 as Treasurer of the club, a role which she provided over 35 years of continuous service to. Shirley has held other positions within the club including Mid-Week Ladies Convenor and continues to be an active member of the club’s committee.

Brian Wright (40 Years of Service)

Brian has dedicated 40 years of service to the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club. Awarded life membership in 1994, Brian has performed a large number of roles within the club including coach, junior mentor, scorer, general committee member and even a cook! Brian continues to play an important role in the club, and is highly regarded for his Thursday night and Saturday night meals.

Alister Lord (20 Years of Service)

In 1995, Alistair commenced volunteering at the Upper Ferntree Gully Cricket Club as the Junior Coordinator. Since that time Alistair has fulfilled many volunteer roles including President, Junior Coach, Sponsorship Coordinator, Player Recruiter and General Committee Member. Alistair has also be an important figure in the development of infrastructure at the club, including a recent upgrade to the cricket practice nets at Kings Park.

Event Partners

Council greatly appreciates the support of our event partners:

Event partners

Presentation Night Photos

Please note some pages will not be available on our website during the period 21 September to 22 October 2016 in accordance with our obligations under Council's Election Period Policy. More information available www.knox.vic.gov.au/elections