Clubbies 2019 Winners

It's bowls but not as you know it. Situated in the beautiful Edinburgh Gardens of North Fitzroy,  FVBSC attracts more than 45,000 social bowlers and function visitors each year. With an annual turnover of $1.5 million, this barefoot bowling hotspot has two bowling greens,12 separate areas for guest hire, a 300-capacity clubroom and a 50-seat seminar room. Outside, there are 10 function areas including a 300-capacity marquee and deck area with bar. The club, which has proudly hosted the National Disability Bowls Championship, focuses on bowls coaching and junior development. President Dobe Newton describes this little piece of bowling paradise as a "small club with a big heart". 

After four Pan Pacs appearances - and the Girlfriendz Dance Warm Up that became a semi sensation on YouTube - this team has a following reaching well beyond their ranks. But it's the strength they draw on that makes the team so special.  Player Kristin Garsheen says: "We play in memory of three team mates who we have lost, two to cancer and one to a tragic car accident days after winning a Pan Pacs medal in 2010." And the 2018 Pan Pacs were no different. "Together we have formed an incredible supportive bond. This not only got us through 16 games of softball, but allowed us to create an inclusive playing environment where we could all participate regardless of our abilities, injuries or personal life struggles." Check out this pre-7am warm up!

This inspiring grassroots association showcases the transformative power of sport. Volunteer Rachel Fosdick tells us: "PaRBA removes barriers to participating in sport. Our programs include Streetball where we take 3x3 basketball to the suburbs, bringing to the kids everything needed to play, including the hoops! We set up courts, music, food and free transport. No uniforms or registration are required, enabling young people of all abilities and means to participate. PaRBA's flagship program is Youth Drop In Sports, offering free after school sessions five days a week and a safe place in the city where young people can hangout. We provide free food, music and wifi all supervised by our amazing mentors." Discover more HERE!

A hero of Woy Woy FC, Dawn manages to juggle demands on and off the pitch with aplomb. Along with her club secretary duties and fundraising efforts she plays up to three games of football every weekend and is one of the best all-age women’s players at the club. Before she puts on the boots though, Dawn and her family set up the home ground and canteen every Saturday and it’s not unusual for this livewire to put in a 7am to 6pm shift. Best yet, Dawn and her husband Phillip have successfully lobbied the local council for a clubhouse.  Nominator Kristy Harper says: “Basically, our club would not run without her.”

Stephen is the unsung champion of Mayfield United Junior Soccer Club. At the grounds every afternoon before junior training, he opens the toilets and change rooms and sees to anything that needs fixing. He is first at the ground on a Saturday, assisting field set ups, and marks the lines on the fields (two full sized, seven Mini Roos sized) every fortnight. During the summer, Stephen is the first to arrive for set up, brings out the bins, unlocks the sheds and packs up at the end of the night. Ainsleigh Bates says: “Steve is a hardworking volunteer who refuses any money the club tries to give him as thanks for his time.”

In 2005 Mark established The Impact Boxing Academy in a shed at the rear of his property.  His vision then and now was to make a positive impact on the lives of children.  In 13 years the gym has achieved over 200 state, national and international titles. Mark has worked with local police to help troubled youth, victims of bullying, children with special needs at Cooroy State School and the Government’s Head Space program for teens suffering mental illness. Mark has supported well over 200 troubled kids. Boxer Keiran Whitehead says: “He not only guides and mentors these kids but opens his home to them for accommodation and meals.” 

About 960kms out of Brisbane, in the drought stricken Queensland West, the Blackall Rugby League Club has reached iconic status. The population is declining. There’s no clubhouse, no pokies to bring in resources, but somehow the Magpies make it all worthwhile. When they’re not lifting spirits on the pitch, the players wait on guests at the Blackall Anglican Flower Show, cater the Australia Day celebrations and conduct fundraisers for breast cancer awareness and suicide prevention. President Phil "Flop" Rooney says: “Footy has been a life saver out here.  After spending the week on the farm having to shoot our own stock…it’s good to come into town on the weekend and catch up with my mates.”