2009 National Volunteer Recognition Program

2008 Recipient

The winner of the 2008 ACT&SNSWRU Volunteer of the Year is Anthony Radcliffe from Easts Rugby Union Club.

Anthony joined Easts in 1990. He has contributed for the last 18 years in various roles, often filling several positions within a single season as part of the club's Board of Management amd om operational roles. These have included:

• 1990 - 1993 - Rugby Club Board Member and Ground Marshall
• 1993 - 1999 - Social committee member and selector
• 1999 - 2006 - Rugby Club Board Member, Manager 1st and 2nd Grades, Facilities Manager
• 2007 - 2008 - Director Rugby (overseeing all rugby activities) andm Chairman of Selectors.

Further to this, Tony has often taken on many tasks requiring intermittent input such as assisting at social functions, catering at home matches, and running water during games.

Tony has proved to be a selfless person with regard to this contribution and effort at Easts Rugby Club. He is held in high esteem by all levels within his club and is a deserving recipient of recognition from the club and the wider ACT Rugby Community.

As the winner of the ACT&SNSWRU Volunteer of the Year Tony will now join nominees from the other Australian states in the final selection for the Australian Volunteer of the Year Award that will be announced and presented at the John Eales Medal Dinner, later this year.

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

2008 ACT&SNSWRU Volunteer of the Year winner
Anthony Radcliffe - Easts RUFC

2009 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 July 2009. 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 2009 John Eales Medal Dinner where the National Volunteer of the Year will be announced.

* Airfares, accommodation and 2 x tickets to John Eales Medal Dinner will be provided for the state or territory nominee and the nominee's spouse only.