2007 National Volunteer Recognition Program

Australian Rugby recognises the efforts and skills of volunteers and has implemented the Volunteer Recognition Program in an effort to encourage and lift the profile of Community Rugby volunteers who have contributed to the development, promotion and or advancement of Rugby Union within Australia. 
 
Whilst in the past, clubs, schools, associations, zones/regions and affiliate unions have recognised and rewarded outstanding achievements by players and clubs, Australian Rugby identifies the need to recognise and reward those individuals that have devoted their time by honouring them with a recognition program. The recognition program is open to any person currently associated with Community Rugby in Australia in a non-paid capacity at a club, school, sub/zone-union, or associated affiliate of the Australian Rugby Union.  

The Australian Rugby Union launched the program in 2003 to reward and recognise the efforts of volunteers who devote countless hours week in, week out, year after year to provide a safe and enjoyable environment at the grassroots of the game.  From the canteen veteran, to the weekend linesman, to the parents that manage junior sides, clubs nominate the volunteers who give their hearts and souls to Rugby each week. 

Australian Rugby invite nominees who have made significant contributions to the sport of rugby union up to and including March 2007. Areas of contribution may include coaching, managing, publicity, social planning, registrar, ground marshalling etc. all of which are invaluable to the success of Rugby both on and off the field.

Program Prizes
The successful nominee from each State/Territory, who meet the set criteria, will be recognised for their efforts by being hosted (together with their spouse*) at the 2007 John Eales Medal Dinner in Brisbane on July 23, 2007, where the National Volunteer of the Year will be announced.

* Airfares, accommodation and 2 x tickets to John Eales Medal Dinner for the nominee will be paid for the nominees and their spouse only.

2007 Recipient

The winner of the 2007 ACT&SNSW Rugby Union Volunteer of the Year Award was Matt Klem from Goulburn RUFC. Matt has been responsible for the growth and development of rugby in the Goulburn area and has pioneered many initiatives from the creation of a strategic plan to trucking water into Goulburn at the worst part of the drought to keep the fields in a suitable condition to be played on.

Congratulations Matt!! You are a thoroughly deserving recipient of this award.

 Matt Klem (Goulburn RUFC)

2007 ACT&SNSWRU Volunteer of the Year

Amanda Taylor (Grenfell JRUFC)

Brian Paule (Royals RUFC)