Page 29 - AFL QUEENSLAND 2013 YEAR IN REVIEW

CELEBRATING CONTRIBUTION
As our football environment continues to change and evolve, the one thing that remains the same is the outstanding contribution that volunteers make to our game.
The AFL Queensland affiliates conference was a milestone event for 2013. Now an annual event, regional league representatives met in Brisbane for a two day conference.
The AFL Queensland Volunteer and Coach State Awards Dinner was held the same weekend. The night celebrated volunteering and coaching in Queensland, with prestigious state awards given out across a variety of categories.
The Junior Club Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Steve Marsh. When Maryborough AFC were unable to field youth teams in 2013, Steve went beyond all expectations when he provided and drove a bus down to Gympie every week enabling twelve U14/16 year olds the opportunity to play football. Steve is known as a true leader with an infectious energy and desire to help other people.
Maurie Soars of Townsville City Lions was named Senior Club Volunteer of the Year. Maurie supports the umpires, masters, juniors and seniors, filling any role required, reinvesting back into the game and paying special attention to everyone he interacts with.
The Senior League Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Ian Draper of AFL Mackay. While Ian’s official title is League Treasurer, his involvement goes much deeper. Described as the ultimate professional and a tireless worker, Ian is a great custodian of the game in Mackay.
Deion Menzies, AFL Brisbane Juniors President won the Junior League Volunteer of the Year award and was also named AFL Queensland Volunteer of the Year. In addition to Deion’s presidency, he is the Queensland U18 Girls coach and is deeply involved with
the NEAFL club Redland AFC. Deion ensures that governance and integrity of the league is of the highest standard, while his engaging charisma and people skills make him a natural leader.
Two Queenslanders – John Durkin (Townsville) and Michael ‘Tiger’ McCormick (Gold Coast)
- received the prestigious AFL Merit Award, recognising outstanding service.
For 35 years, John Durkin has been a cornerstone of the AFL in Townsville. Serving as chairman for an astonishing 12 years, John has also played a major role in the development of Tony Ireland stadium and was a catalyst in reforming senior representative football in North Queensland.
Michael McCormick has served the game for over 45 years. Known as ‘Tiger’, his enduring commitment to the game has provided support to literally thousands of young people. Tiger is best known for his contribution to Queensland / Australian country football as well as his management of the QAFL competition.
AARON HALL
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
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VOLUNTEER