Best Club | Best Player | Best Stalwart | Best Team | Best Coach | Best Education Program
Best Club | Best Player | Best Stalwart | Best Team | Best Coach | Best Education Program
Netball
Best Coach: Therese Tati
Netball Cooroora 1, Noosa District
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She coaches 2 club teams, 1 representative team and managers the Sunshine Coast Qld Academy. Therese is a kind a gentle soul who aims to coach the girls not only in becoming elite athletes but also beautiful young ladies. She does all this while working full time and still helps her daughter to achieve her netball goals. I aspire to be as good as Therese and truly believe it is people like her that help in our country becoming world champions.
Nominated by Kelly Bristow (Manager)
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Surf Lifesaving
Best Coach: Gary Mitchell
The Lakes Surf Life Saving Club Nippers
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Gary has created a happy, fun and supportive culture with the Nippers and parents that has enticed a large number of regular participants to his training sessions. When Gary took over as the Nippers water coach there were only 5-7 regular participants, with even less nippers attending carnivals. Now his squad consists of well over 20 regular participants who attend multiple training sessions each week, with a large portion of the squad attending multiple carnivals this season. Gary has developed a strong sense of pride and belonging within the nippers and their families and this has resulted in increased interest in surf sports and the surf club. Morale within the entire club has also been improved as it is great to see so much talent being developed within our junior members. Gary has made a positive impact to our club by creating a culture of keen, empowered and happy nippers who love spending time on the beach and at the club. This has assisted with building and retaining member numbers within nippers at a time when overall membership numbers are declining across other areas of the club. This is embedding a strong sense of belonging within our juniors and enticing them to stay in surf lifesaving and eventually transition into active patrolling members.
Nominated by Sean Leicester (Vice President of The Lakes SLSC)
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Rowing
Best Coach: Phill Brown
Rowing University of New South Wales Rowing Club
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Phill has helped us turn our student-run club around. As a volunteer, he coaches our novice squad of rowers, who are new to the sport and enter the squad through our Learn to Row course (which Phill also assists with). Phill makes each session enjoyable and productive, providing hugely valuable training in a patient manner (allowing each rower to ascend the steep learning curve quickly). Since Phill joined us, the retention from our Learn to Row course has skyrocketed, from only a handful of participants to often the majority of an intake. His drive and patience has led his crews from having never rowed to podium finishes at regattas within a few months. Given the huge range of abilities Phill manages, it is amazing he still ensures that every rower gets feedback and face-to-face coaching. He also makes do with extremely poor equipment which frequently breaks, requiring him to put in extra (volunteer) hours behind the scenes. In addition to his novice coaching, Phill coaches our masters rowers (aged 27+). Phill’s commitment to donating 3 mornings a week of his time to 5:15am coaching sets him apart from the pack of other coaches. Phill is an inspiration to all of us, both the club executive and the student and masters members. We are extremely thankful he continues to donate his time to helping make our club such a welcoming place to new members. We would love him to be recognised by The Clubbie Awards for his exemplary qualities and passion for making rowing fun.
Nominated by Rob Selbie (Captain of Boats on club executive)
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Soccer
Best Coach: Mitchell Ball
Soccer Skye United Football Club Mini roo
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Mitch is 18 years old and coaches an under 10's team twice a week and game day, he is president of the clubs youth committee, attends meetings and organises events in between studying for his year 12 VCE. Mitch has recently organised a fundraising day for Beyondblue and raised over $1000. The charity is very close to his heart as he lost a close friend last year. Beyondblue do a wonderful job in helping all ages with depression & anxiety. Mitch is a winner as he has brought our club together to raise funds above and beyond his role of coach.
Nominated by Wendy Lawrence (Friend)
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Baseball
Best Coach: Darren Fullerton
Cronulla Little League
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Coach Darren Fullerton is a first class individual who conducts himself with the utmost respect at all times. He has a passion for baseball and more importantly coaching young men and women to become better players on and off the field. After three failed attempts he finally achieved what is the summit of junior baseball in the world which is to qualify for the Little League World Series in the US where his team exceeded all expectations. His leadership skills is second to none always ensuring the integrity of the sport as the top priority. His poise and composure on the field is one to commend and is an absolute role-model to all the kids and parents.
Nominated by Mark Marino (Baseball NSW CEO)
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Surf Lifesaving
Best Coach: Andrew McAuliffe
Surf Life Saving Kirra Surf Life Saving Club
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In the past six years as IRB coach, Andrew has not only been a coach he has been mentor and a friend to the team. With lots of young members joining the team, Andrew also organised team building events like tenpin bowling, bush walks and team dinners. As Kirra is a small club, Andrew is not just a Coach, he is the organiser of a lot more like accommodation for away carnivals, transport to interstate carnivals, fundraising and uniforms. These are all jobs that could easily keep just one person busy, without coaching the team. His leadership also shows in other areas of the club, taking on building committee positions and being a key member of the club management committee. Andrew has also held positions on the branch committee as IRB officer. Andrew’s commit to the IRB team and the club is exceptional. The improvement in results at the 2015 IRB State Titles shows that hard work that has gone into developing the team. Andrew’s focus is not only on results but of the wellbeing of the team, always ensure that they are well feed and warm at carnivals, the adequate rest times are adhered to after injuries and the general spirits of the team are always high. In 2015 Andrew coached his Open Male IRB Rescue team to win a gold medal at the QLD IRB State Titles along with Silver in the Under 23 Teams Rescue and Silver in the Open Teams Rescue. The Kirra IRB team was also rewarded by winning 2nd place in the Handicap Point score at these titles. This was a terrific effort with such a small team. At the Australian Titles, the Kirra IRB performed exceptionally well with the Open Male team rescue winning Gold in the finals. This was an outstanding effort considering the competition from the other teams from much larger clubs. Whilst Andrew’s commitment to coaching the IRB is extraordinary, he is also the President of the Kirra Surf Lifesaving Club and an age manager for the Under 6 & Under 7 nipper group.
Nominated by Loretta Axelsen (Club Secretary)
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Baseball
Best Coach: Vicki Galea
Baseball Greenway Giants B Grade Womens
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Vicki has been in the baseball association for as long as I have known. She is been involved in so many events to improve the baseball association for women. She is an inspiration and has dedicated her time for many clubs and for many children to advance them through the baseball association to keep the sport alive. She is an asset to all clubs. As an older player I have been taught a lot about the sport by both Vicki and her husband and each year I see my improvement. Vicki's love for baseball and dedication is why she deserves to win a clubbie.
Nominated by Tracey Flynn (Player and friend)
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Baseball
Best Coach: Geoff Wade
Baseball Brisbane North Representative Under 14's
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Geoff has been my son's Brisbane North Rep coach for 3 years now, and in that time he has always encouraged, guided, created a fantastic team environment and made rep baseball fun. Geoff, I believe bring the best out of each child and always including the parents. Geoff is awesome!!
Nominated by Stephanee Roberson (parent of player)
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Baseball
Best Coach: Kristy Frame
Baseball Newcastle University Camels Minor League - Sixth Grade
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Kirsty deserves a clubbie because she helped a team with mostly brand new players to gel and have fun every single weekend, regardless of the results. She made the sport fun to play and because of her I have made friends with my team-mates outside of the game.
Nominated by Tara Perrin (Team Member)
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Baseball
Best Coach: Russell Barnes
Baseball Morley Eagles Junior League
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Russell has been my son’s coach for the last four years, From little league through to junior league. In that time he has also coached charter teams in both little and junior leagues as well as all stars teams and colts. Baseball is his life and passion. Like many volunteer coaches, Russell comes straight from work during the week (almost every day) to train our teams and dedicates almost his whole weekend to coaching our teams. He has wonderful manner with the children and gets awesome results as he is so well respected by both the boys on his team as well as all the parents. He is a very approachable man, always willing to give advice and extra tips to his players. He has spent the past 18 years as a coach in our club and is an absolute asset to us. I think Russell deserves to win Best Coach as I believe that he is the best coach our family has ever come across.
Nominated by Mandy Ransome (Parent of a player)
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Baseball
Best Coach: David Lindsay
Peel Diamond Sports Little League, WA Baseball Coastal
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David came to our little team of kids, some of whom were experienced, others who had no experience and made it a season to remember. He worked hard to help the team bond and to love the game. The team went from bottom of the ladder to winning the Grand Final. For many of these kids it was the first time they had ever won anything. David made it more than winning, he made sure that the kids enjoyed every game and worked together as a team. He treated all the players fairly and gave them all a good go. It was an excellent season thanks to David's commitment and caring.
Nominated by Lea O'Dea (Parent of Junior Player)
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Baseball
Best Coach: Matt Redman
Baseball Camden Red Sox U/8 U/14 U/16 and numerous Rep Teams
Macarthur Baseball League
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Matt with a friend started Camden Red Sox in 2014, due to his passion for Baseball and there not being a Club in the Camden Area. In the first year he coached my son in U/8's (although he does not have a child in this team, his son, who is 14, was the assistant coach), he also coached an U/14 team an U/16 team. He also coached numerous rep teams within the Macarthur. He also coached the Winter senior team bringing juniors up to seniors for the first time and players that have not played before, including myself. He was nominated for Coach of the year at Camden Red Sox in 2014 and as he was Vice President of the club; he refused the nomination and he instead nominated two up and coming juniors for the award. His every spare minute is dedicated to coaching kids. As a parent who has seen how he brings the best out in my child and the way that he can get them to focus and the amount of fun and joy the kids get. He is most deserving of being acknowledged for his dedication and commitment to Baseball and sport in general.
Nominated by Julie Danswan (A mum of a child he coaches and a member of the Senior Team with him)
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Netball
Best Coach: Chris Williams
Mary's Mount Netball Club 9
Kalamunda Netball Association
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Chris has coached our girls for 6 years. He is so committed entering/driving our girls to any carnival possible. He gives up countless hours coaching and training every week. He signs up (at his own expense) to do a number of coaching courses every year to improve his skill so as to improve the girls. He is so patient with the 14/15 year old girls he definitely deserves a reward. His commitment is amazing.
Nominated by Leonie Glass (Team Manager)
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Baseball
Best Coach: Geoff Wade
Pine Rivers Rapids Baseball Club
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Geoff (or Wadey as he is better known) displays a genuine care for both the player and parent. He provides much more than the skills associated with the game of his chosen sport. Wadey has a genuine connection with both the players and parents - I consider these traits priceless. He is extremely conscious of being a positive male mentor & role model, not to mention the influence he has in the young lives of those he coaches. My son lost his father, unexpectedly, last year and since being under Wadey's coaching (over a relatively short period) he had developed not only the confidence to dream again, but dream BIG in a positive way, displaying excitement about his days ahead. My son has come out of his shell when it comes to his self-confidence and has now developed belief in his own abilities. I truly believe it takes a community to raise our children, and especially now being a sole parent it is coaches like Wadey that are a massive support to my world through his interactions and respect for his players and their parents. He understands that in order to be respected you must first show respect.
Nominated by Kathy Bretherton (Parent to a child he coaches)
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Baseball
Best Coach: Marc Smith
Illawarra Northern Pirates Club President and U14's Coach IJBA
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Last year (2014), our two boys, James & Peter, played their very first Baseball game and season with Illawarra Northern Pirates Under 14's, coached by Club President Marc Smith. The boys enjoyed their baseball and the club so much that they kept asking "When does Baseball start again this year?” We as a family have no hesitation in putting this down to Marc Smith's supportive and inclusive stewardship as the Team's Coach, Club's President and Player's Dad. We cannot thank Marc enough for his amazing efforts every week from coaching the team, encouraging the children's participation at all and any level, umpiring the games, arranging canteen, scorers, kit, assistants etc. This was truly exceptional and he leads by example a wonderful team of an equally committed, professional and enthusiastic committee members including Peter Blackett and Marc Mulvihill. We hope that Marc Smith receives this great accolade and acknowledgement for ensuring Illawarra Northern Pirates are an inclusive and brilliant place for the boys and girls of the Illawarra to enjoy, exercise and learn about baseball. We feel that Marc as our Coach and his leadership team fosters these very important attributes of inclusiveness, support, fair play and respect. Our boys are looking forward to their next season of Baseball with the Pirates this year and we understand the good naturedness and good sports reasons for this - that is truly and sincerely what it's all about. Thank you so much Marc Smith. Thank you.
Nominated by Julie Wilson (Parent of two players)
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Hockey
Best Coach: Robin Mudie
Hockey Northern Suburbs Hockey Club Boys
Brisbane Hockey
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Robin is one of those young passionate men who loves their chosen sport. He trains both the under nine teams we field at Norths on a Thursday night, while the rest of us newbie parents look on with wide eyes still trying to work out the rules. He and his wife Chole have three young children all boys and both work full time; it would be wonderful for them to be shown some recognition for all the hard yards they put in Norths Hockey. Robin also is Club President for our boys club and he is helping to grow it into a strong force as we are in Rugby heartland in Ashgrove; it’s been a bit of a struggle to get young boys to play hockey. Norths fields huge girls teams as well. But to his and other credit we are fielding quite a large amount of boys teams. We play on a Friday night and have some carnival meetings on certain Saturday's. Anyway thanks Robin for taking the time out to teach a whole new generation a great sport.
Nominated by David Christiansen (parent of player)
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Hockey
Best Coach: Luke Fleming
Bentstix Hockey Club 3
Sydney East Hockey Association
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I love coach Luke for lots of things, his skills and his approach. He is the master of hockey skills, of fitness drills and tricks. He's taught me the reverse stick jink, the tomohawk and the flick. He models great behaviour, he's always cool and calm. He reads the game, he makes a plan and always plays it smart. "You can win this if you want it" is his favourite thing to say. "Don't argue with the umpire, just face up and play!" He's constructive with advice and strong when times are tough. He reminds us of the Bentstix motto - Never Give Up. Luke's taught me heaps about the sport, he's an expert with the stick, He's made me a better player and (without knowing), a better chick.
Nominated by Lara Frolchenko (player)
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Equestrian
Best Coach: Josephine Brady
Thoroughbred Riding Club
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The Thoroughbred Riding Club is delighted to nominate our much loved and admired coach in Jo Brady for this award. From humble beginnings Jo has developed the respect and admiration of many riders and the equestrian industry itself and has proven herself to be a master coach. It is her lifelong passion and dedication to train horses which has seen her develop into a highly respected coach, role model and mentor for club members. Jo is a grassroots coach who does a remarkable job producing top class riders and horses without the financial backing or facilities of the more prominent coaches in this sport. She relies on her ability, teaching and horsemanship to mentor us through the training of our horses. Jo is a highly successful dressage coach and travels Australia giving lessons and clinics. Amongst her students is Natalie Blundell who won the Adelaide 4* on her OTTB horse Billy Bathgate. To date Natalie holds the record as the youngest person ever to win a 4* event!! Jo is a qualified level 2 NCAS Coach and runs her business as a professional rider and teacher. In a short space of time Jo has developed a cult following at our club due to her skill as a coach but also her knowledge and ability as a teacher. Jo has a unique ability in this industry to effectively coach riders and horses of all levels and abilities. She is renowned for never giving a bad lesson and for always teaching with her heart and soul. Jo gives endless of her time and expertise to members of our club. Time and time again she goes beyond her call to support riders achieve their dreams. Jo recently sponsored our dressage team and provided them with free coaching sessions leading into a major state wide championship. She supports riders by attending events to coach them and to warm them up without any payment and always follows up with a debriefing after each event. She does all of this to support us because she truly cares about our progress and training and takes as much pride in our victories and personal triumphs as we do. From the club perspective Jo has been invaluable in her support and dedication to assisting the committee develop such a strong and respected organisation within the equestrian world. Jo supports and mentors the President of the club through various issues and initiatives she is developing. She is a wonderful and personable sounding board for the club and has developed great sponsorship links with local businesses on our behalf. In most equestrian clubs coaches simply come and teach and collect their money. Jo on the other hand has become a vital part of our club family and synonymous with the club. Her skills and compassion as a coach see her attract riders from across the state to our club. We cannot speak highly enough of her as a person and coach for our club.
Nominated by Lisa Brown (student)
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Hockey
Best Coach: Jerome Wesley Buck
Manly Hockey Club
Metro League Four
Sydney Womens Hockey League
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Jerome Buck is an exceptional Coach who is passionate about his sport of hockey. Not only is the Head Women's Coach at Manly, he also Coaches the Under 17's and overseas hockey at Queenwood School in Sydney. In addition to this he offers to help young hockey coaches across Sydney and Australia with mentoring and advice. He will do whatever it takes to help his players achieve their dreams and goals. He is a passionate dedicated Hockey Coach who I strongly believe deserves to be recognised for his 16 years of hard work as a Hockey Coach and his continued service to the game.
Nominated by Jerry Jones (Former Assistant Coach)
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Soccer
Best Coach: Sam La Spina
Myrtleford Savoy Soccer Club
Albury Wodonga Football Association
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My son is not the most sporty of kids but he loves playing soccer. He has been playing soccer for three years and the improvement is amazing. Sam La Spina has been there all the way. He has helped him to run better, understand the game and its strategies and become a real part of the team. I have seen sheer delight on Sam’s face when one of his players has played well. Our kids are not at the top of the ladder, they don’t win very often, but they still have enthusiasm to run out on the field each Sunday. Each goal is celebrated but so is every good play, whether it makes it or not. This type of attitude links back to the coach. This year Sam has been coaching another level than the one my son is in but he is still there helping the new coach out. People like Sam make sports in rural communities work and the time they give up to the sport is appreciated by the parents.
Nominated by Dianne Dean (parent of player)
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Swimming
Best Coach: Sharon Berry
Albany Creek Swim Club
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I first saw Sharon coaching in December 2014 when we first joined the swim squads with our granddaughter. I had never seen a coach perform so well with all her swimmers. Sharon has a very dedicated approach to swimming, children and sport in general. She believes sport provides children with many valued life skills and healthy habits which can take them well into their adult life. Sharon is totally committed to the swim club; she also assists other coaches and gives them support as well. Sharon is dedicated to all the swimmers and goes beyond the realms of just training and squads but actually cares about their well-being and attitudes in life. I have seen Sharon give extra time to swimmers with emotional support when they have had other issues impacting into their lives and affecting their concentration. Sharon gives personal assistance to swimmers and parents when injury or illness is also a factor. Of all the years I have seen swim Coaches with their squads I believe Sharon has a gift and special ability to work with children and bring out the best in their performance , personality and character. Sharon is the most motivated coach I have had the pleasure to observe at club level with squads, swimming carnivals and also at Brisbane and Qld State Championships. Sharon is a hard worker and is truly motivated to Sport. I have noticed Sharon at work and she is an exceptional performer with her squad. I believe Sharon deserves to be recognised for her contributions to swimming and Sport as the Best Coach I have ever seen. I am now 65 years old and I have been involved with swimming at Club level as a parent and grandparent for many years. Sharon is truly The Best Coach.
Nominated by Marilynne Beattie
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Gymnastics
Best Coach: Paul Griffiths
Bunnerong Gymnastics Men's
Gymnastics NSW
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Paul has been teaching gymnastics to children for over 10yrs. He is dedicated and passionate and produced many champions over the years but what makes Paul so special is he really cares about those weaker, less talented children getting a go and having an opportunity just like everyone else. Paul is the secret behind many young kids in our local area who have gone on to be successful young members of our community.
Nominated by Glen Hay (club manager)
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Soccer
Best Coach: Tony Horrocks
Lara Soccer Club
State League 2, Football Federation Victoria
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Tony has been my coach on and off for almost 7 years now and he has never once failed me. He has helped me to grow as a player and grasp an excellent understanding of the game. Having worked with him for so long I have also seen him grow as a coach, specialising in the development of women's soccer in Australia. Apart from being a great support on game day, he is just an all round great guy. He is friendly and a tremendous hard worker.
Nominated by Carla D'Alessandro (friend)
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Soccer
Best Coach: Tony Horrocks
Lara Soccer State League 3
North/ West Football Federation Victoria
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Tony has been a huge proponent for girls and women’s football in the Greater Geelong region for many years now. He has coached Lara Senior women’s team from their State League debut in 2013 to consecutive premierships and promotions to join State League 2 this year and Tony has achieved this all whilst also being the president of Lara Soccer. This is a massive club with players of all ages who play all over Geelong. LSC also has 4 State Leagues women’s and men’s teams playing all over North Western Victoria. He is constantly liaising with the Council, Local MP’s, Football Federation Victoria and the State Government to try and secure much needed facilities for our club. We are currently operating out of a shipping container and two temporary site offices used as change rooms that have been broken into and damaged multiple times. Tony has to manage this whilst travelling long distances for his job and his club role. Tony deserves to win a Clubbie because he sacrifices so much of his time to being a hard working Club President, a top Coach, and an incredible mentor and support to all of his players and committee members. He has a young family that support him 100% despite him hardly being home between work and soccer each week.
Nominated by Claire Dew (Player & Captain)
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Cricket
Best Coach: GARY WHITAKER
SYDNEY UNIVERSITY CRICKET CLUB
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Dedication, passion, focus, drive, compassion and friend. These are just some of the words that those involved at Sydney University Cricket Club use to describe Director of Cricket and Head Coach, Gary Whitaker (Gaz). Gaz is a determined character whose influence has guided the Club to an era of outstanding success. His tenure at the Club has seen a Club Championship, three 1st Grade Premierships, four 2nd Grade premierships, numerous lower grade titles, Limited Overs titles and various awards. To achieve this success, Gaz has developed and implemented a crucial high-performance program of coaching within the Club including our Green Shield (U16) squad, Poidevin-Gray Shield (U21) team, Metropolitan Cup team, five Grade teams, and a 1st Grade T20 squad. He has also been the key driver of our Elite Athlete Program which is a year-round high performance program for young athletes studying at the University of Sydney and participating in cricket for SUCC. His passion and drive often sees him the first to arrive for the 6am strength and conditioning sessions, and the last to leave following the final ball on match days. Gaz attends every session for the Club throughout the year including weights sessions with players more than half his age, centre wicket sessions, net practices, sprint training and one-on-one skills sessions. Gaz goes over and above his call of duty, ensuring that he is always available to throw balls to anyone who requests them for hours on end. On match days, he also takes on various grounds duties including working the super-sopper, and cleaning and remarking wickets. This dedication also extends to the Club’s off-field environment, Gaz is at every social opportunity, ready with a tale from his days in a multitude of sport. He also is the first to ensure he fills tables with family, friends and associates at any event or function the Club holds. Finally, Gaz isn’t just a coach to most of the young members of the Club, but a friend and confidant. Always ready to listen, offer support and advice, and displays compassion to all. Having won countless coaching awards with Sydney Cricket Association and Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness, we feel he would be a worthy winner of The Clubbies – Coach of the Year.
Nominated by DALE BRYANT (colleague)
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Hockey
Best Coach: Ben Fitzpatrick
Gympie juniors/ Seniors Gympie & District Hockey Association
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Ben relinquished a well-paid position to take up the opportunity of a fulltime Hockey Coaching Director with our Association. This role was created and funded by our Association at the beginning of 2015 as a key element in developing and growing the game of field hockey in the Gympie region. Ben has a passion for hockey, being an ex State player and now with his wife and family all playing and engaged in our Association. In the short time Ben has occupied the role, he has rejuvenated interest and participation in the sport locally with an increase in playing numbers, lifting the skill level of both junior and senior players, initiating many fundraising activities to support our club, facilitating many coaching, umpiring and Technical official sessions and courses, hosting school Vacation hockey clinics for juniors, conducted several high level skill courses for our Representative players, attended and supported many of our junior Rep teams at state championships and has had an integral role in our Association achieving a higher percentage of our Rep players gaining higher Representative selection ( State & Australian). Overall his presence and activity around our hockey Association has stimulated a positive culture where more members are willing to volunteer, assist and become engaged in all aspects of our Association, leading to a more successful outcomes in many areas of our operations.
Nominated by Ian Wenzel (committee member)
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Table Tennis
Best Coach: Oh Nam Ho
Nam Ho Table Tennis Academy
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Nam Ho is the head coach of his own table tennis club having built the club from no members two years ago to over 100 players. Nam works with all levels of players from the very beginner to the elite international level. Nam devotes 1 day a week to work with disabled people at the Royal Rehab Centre in Sydney and conduct disabled table tennis clinics within his club. He will soon conduct the second annual Waratah competition for disadvantaged school children. Nam is a worthy recipient of the Coach award.
Nominated by Peter Marriott (CEO Table Tennis Australia)
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Soccer
Best Coach: Brad Crossingham
Isaroos, Parkside Juniors and North West Soccer Zone
Juniors, Mens and Womens
North West Queensland Soccer Zone
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Brad Crossingham is a dedicated volunteer with an unwavering focus of junior soccer development in North West Queensland (Mount Isa). He volunteers countless hours and resources every week. Brad is the Junior Chair for Mount Isa, a volunteer role which incorporates organising the entire junior competition from the draw to erecting the shade sails at the fields. He is the coach of Parkside Juniors U10/11 who train twice a week and play on the weekends. Brad is also the coach for the U10's North West Queensland team which travelled the whooping 920km this year from Mount Isa to Townsville to compete! Brad also coaches the open women’s and men’s teams for the Isaroos Soccer club who also train twice a week and play on the weekends. Brad is also a referee coming to the aid of the zone as the dwindling number of referees was putting the 3 competitions in jeopardy. This year has been particularly memorable for Brad as the Isaroos Men’s and Women’s as well as his junior team all won their grand finals! It was a well deserved trifecta for this winning coach! Brad and his family literally spend all of their spare time at the Mount Isa Soccer fields giving countless hours of volunteer time to the sport he loves. Brad has undoubtedly gone above and beyond his normal call of volunteerism and has made his numerous roles in the North West his passion. This passion can be seen in every role he undertakes, putting in 110% every single time. His success this year in his coaching roles makes him a winner x3!!! He never asks for anything, never expects any accolades for his work and is a humble well liked local hero.
Nominated by Sarah Astbury (Player)
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Netball
Best Coach: Alexis Stevens
Hamersley Netball Club
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Alexis is a self-starter who works very hard to educate her netball knowledge. She attends many Department of Sport & Rec courses to up-skill in all the diverse areas of sport. Alexis attends all the netball coaching conferences conducted by Netball WA and other private educators. This year Alexis passed her Netball Australia Advanced Coach Accreditation. In 2015 Hamersley Netball Club has 3 teams in Division 1 – 15 Unders, Alexis coached the 3rd team comprising of 12-15 year olds (last year she coached the top HNC 15s team to a premiership, however chose to step back and take the 3rd team this year). Alexis pulled together a diverse skill group, she lent her players to the 2 HNC teams above her on days when they were short of players. She ran special off court education sessions for the young team, conducted additional specialist training sessions to up-skill the very young girls in the group. HNC Team 1 versus HNC Team 2 are playing in a grand final this Saturday, team 2 would not have made the top 4 if Alexis hadn't lent them players and now they find themselves in the GF. I believe Alexis put the club first over her own glory. Alexis has been very active in our Association Development Squads and coached the 14 & Under association teams to 3 consecutive premierships. In this program she was the head coach for the 14s and thus the mentor coach to all other 14 & Under coaches. I know she still maintains contact with these coaches assisting them in their coach development. Alexis is everything a Club could ask for in a voluntary coach. She is an inspiration to the other coaches in our club. Our club has adopted the ethos of being "A Triple Impact Competitor" meaning - make yourself better - make the club better - and make the competition better. Alexis lives this wholeheartedly and would be a worthy recipient.
Nominated by Lyn Pemberton (mentor)
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Dragon Boating
Best Coach: Ian Ong
NAGA Spirit Dragon Boat Club
NSW Dragon Boat Association
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Ian is a driven and passionate Coach. Juggling time between his young family and his other family (our team) must be very difficult and stressing, but he does it anyway, for the love of the sport, the club and his family. I joined last year in October, and was asked by Ian to give the States Representative team trials a go. He coached me and trained me, and within the month, I performed well enough in the trials that I ended up on the NSW States Crew for the National Dragon Boat Championships in Perth 2015. There I won, 1 gold and 2 bronze medals; and Ian was so proud, it was great, I thanked him for the time he dedicated to assisting me, the support and confidence he had in me. Ian is a great coach and definitely deserves to win a Clubbie.
Nominated by Ralph Ingles (Crew Member and Committee Member)
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Surf Lifesaving
Best Coach: Dean McMahon
Wanda SLSC Nippers
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Dean is an outstanding coach, role model and mentor to all Wanda nippers. He is held in the highest regard by nippers and parents, and has implemented a high-quality coaching program for Wanda JAG, evident in our recent SLSNSW State Age results, increased registrations and strong nipper attendance at training. To summarise, we nominate Dean based on four key reasons: 1. High quality surf sports training and coaching program - Under Dean’s guidance and coaching, Wanda nippers has implemented an extensive training program, free to all nippers and catering to all levels of ability. 2. Outstanding surf sports results - Wanda Nippers has been steadily improving its surf sports results, best highlighted in the 2015 SLSNSW Age Championship, where we finished 2nd overall. 3. Dedicated volunteer - Dean’s coaching is all voluntary. Despite no longer having children in nippers, Dean dedicates many hours to training Wanda nippers. He coaches all board training sessions himself, which continues all year round. His volunteer coaching face-to-face hours would exceed 10 hours per week. This does not include time spent on planning, committee duties, selections, carnivals and other club roles. Dean’s high level of commitment to Wanda Nippers was recognised this season, when he was awarded life membership of Wanda JAG. 4. Exceptional level of rapport and respect - perhaps Dean’s greatest attribute as a coach at Wanda, is the respect and rapport he has with the kids. He is highly regarded by nippers and parents, a great role model. This is reflected in our very high attendance at weekly training sessions and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from nippers and parents. Dean provides not only high level coaching to our nippers, he is also fair, measured and encouraging of all kids. We have heaps of great quotes from the kids themselves on why they value Dean so much as their coach.
Nominated by Shannon Dixon (Fellow committee person)
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Surf Lifesaving
Best Coach: Michael Janes
Mermaid Beach AEME SLSC
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Mike joined the club two years ago and with Mike’s assistance the club has for the second year running seen the largest group of nippers move through to the senior ranks with all the U15’s now moving onto the U17’s. Mike has provided a culture and environment here at Mermaid that lets the athletes strive for their goals and grow as individuals. High intensity training session with a passion for technique have allowed Mike to get the best out of his athletes . Mike also, for the last 2 years, has taken the CrossFit session that the club puts on for all our patrolling members. During these 2 years, Mike has been awarded South Coast Branch Rookie Coach of the Year and has now been asked to coach our elite athletes, which includes Kelloggs Nutri Grain athletes. Mike has without a doubt done more work and taken more training sessions above what was ever expected of him and the rapore he has with the members, both juniors and seniors is a credit to him and his coaching.
Nominated by Joanne Briody (Club Administrator)
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Swimming
Best Coach: Ian Mills
Perth City Swimming Club
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Ian “Millsey” Mills is a much loved character of the Perth City Swimming Club. Coaching the Age Group squad for 10 years now, he has become more than a coach to many of his athletes. He prides himself on not only producing high quality swimmers (which he does year after year), but turning kids into respectful, hardworking, polite young adults. His ability to create a training environment where all swimmers are treated equally, no matter what level they are at, is very special. He strongly believes that all athletes have two duties in his squad, individual improvement along with collective improvement. These values that Millsey upholds teach his athletes important life lessons along with creating a fantastic training environment that not only breeds success, but is enjoyable to be a part of. Behind the scary sets and booming voice is a very caring man who will go out of his way to help out anyone who needs it. As an athlete that was coached by Millsey for several years, I still find myself consulting the great man about any issues I am having in my sport, career and life in general. I am not alone in this sense as many of his past athletes still find comfort in chatting with Millsey, who provides down to earth advice and always puts a smile on your face. It is these kinds of characters that are the foundation of our great club, and Millsey does not get the kind of acknowledgement he deserves for the effort he puts in and the success he produces. This is why I am nominating him for this award.
Nominated by Kate Bird (Coach – Athlete)
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Swimming
Best Coach: Matt Magee
Perth City Swimming Club
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As head coach of the Perth City Swimming club Matt overlooks all of the clubs squads, but is primarily focused in the elite open squad who he has coached for 10 years now. Being one of the oldest swimming clubs in Australia, there is a lot of history and tradition that Matt works hard to preserve and pass on to his athletes. By using the lessons and traditions built into the club culture, he strives to establish a successful group of athletes in the water, and more importantly in his eyes, successful out of it. Although Matt runs a highly disciplined program and holds high expectations of his swimmers, Magee ensures all swimmers have a healthy balance between swimming and life. In order to be a part of the elite squad, all athletes must be studying and/or working. This provides a healthy distraction from the demands of being an elite swimmer, and also teaches the athletes time management and planning skills, which as a recently retired swimmer from his squad, I see as a very important life skill that we will value for the rest of our lives. Matt undoubtedly goes above and beyond his expectations as head coach of the Perth City Swimming Club. He is extremely passionate about the health of the sport in the state and the country, so not only does he spend countless hours on pool deck, but most of his free time is spent in meetings with state and national associations always trying to improve the sport of swimming. This is not something he is rewarded for financially, but something that he is incredibly passionate about and enjoys doing. This kind of attitude has led Magee to great success at the highest level of swimming with several of his athletes reaching world class level after starting at the grass roots of the club. He is a quiet achiever and does not get as much recognition as he deserves which is why I am nominating him for this award.
Nominated by Hamish Rose (Coach – Athlete)
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Surf Lifesaving
Best Coach: Trent Herring
Surf Life Saving Newport
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In his role as Senior Coach for Newport Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), Trent was instrumental in building and executing the plan for Newport SLSC to achieve its most successful competitive season in the history of the Club. Trent was instrumental in Newport winning the Branch and State open point score and finishing second in the Australian Championships open point score. Trent was the inspiration behind Newport’s outstanding results at the Australian Championships. Newport accumulated 27 medals, 12 gold, 5 silver and 11 bronze, and finished in second place on the overall point score with 188 points, the best result in their history of national competition. Newport’s results included some outstanding team and individual achievements. 1. History making effort to win the 17’s, 19’s and Open Male Taplin Events. 2. 1st in the Open Male Taplin, the first victory by a NSW club in nearly 20 years. 3. Georgia Miller winning the 19’s and Open Surf Race, the 19’s Iron women and the 19’s board rescue and being named the female athlete of the championships. 4. Charlie Brooks winning 5 gold medals and being named the male athlete of the championships. Trent played a significant role in the Nutri Grain professional ironman series coaching Kendrick Louis to automatic requalification and coaching Georgia Miller and Max Brooks to qualification via the Surf Ironman qualifying series. During the 2014/2015 season Trent completed a personal training strength and coaching accreditation to improve his skills in coaching and preparing Surf Sports athletes. He subsequently prepared and implemented strength and conditioning training plans for all Newport senior athletes. Trent filled the role as the inter branch team selector and mentor to the senior team coach Tom Atkinson. He spent considerable time supporting 17’s, 19’s and the Open team competitors to prepare for team events such as board rescue, rescue tube rescue and taplin races. His dedication to his athletes knows no bounds, and he is a worthy recipient of this award.
Nominated by Alex Mecham
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Netball
Best Coach: LISA MANDANICI
FLAMEZ NETBALL CLUB
CRAIGIEBURN NETBALL ASS
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Lisa with the aid or two other coaches Julie and Sarah, wanted to start up a netball club for the local kids so they can have somewhere to play. Lisa wanted it to be within everyone’s reach, not just those that had plenty of money. Flamez don't have a sponsor at the moment so everything comes from Lisa and the Flamez team by fundraising. Lisa spends all her time organising training, team games and comps with other districts. Lisa does ask for help sometimes and we gladly give it because we all want the kids to have a team where they can play and have fun. Flamez is doing well in comps and other players from other teams are now trying to join up as it’s not just a game but a fun team and family oriented.
Nominated by Lou BAGGIO (Parent of a U11 player)
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