Bill and Marj Shaw

The Shaw name is synonymous with Australian Football on the Darling Downs. Bill and Marj Shaw are two football identities always mentioned in the same breath, hence their joint induction. When people discuss the formation and development of the code in the Downs region the Shaw’s are always first mentioned. Marj Shaw, actively involved in the code’s administration from 1970-96, was the first secretary/registrar of the Darling Downs Australian Football League (DDAFL) in 1970 and held that position for more than 20 years, broken only by a stint as president in 1975.

She also was secretary of the South Queensland Regional Association (SQRA) for more than two decades, received an NFL Merit Award in 1983 and life membership of the DDAFL (1977) and the SQRA (1996) and Coolaroo AFC in Toowoomba (2007). Bill Shaw OAM, actively involved from 1970-89, was the foundation president of the DDAFL and Coolaroo AFC and a self-taught central umpire for 18 years and a goal umpire through until the age of 68. Also coached the Coolaroo reserves to premierships in 1975-76, won the DDAFL ‘Golden Whistle’ in 1988, received life membership at Coolaroo (1979) and the DDAFL (1980), and an OAM for Civil, Welfare, Service and Sports Groups in 2002.

A unique couple who have made contributions in a quiet and humble way, dedicating countless hours to school competitions and other development initiatives, they are foundation members of the Brisbane Bears and current members of the Brisbane Lions, still travelling regularly to the Gabba.