Rugby League Brisbane recently held their fifth annual Women in League dinner incorporating the presentation of their Volunteer of the Year award.
Held at Souths Leagues Club and hosted by former Queensland Women's and Jillaroos player Jo Barrett, the dinner also included guest speakers Melissa McMahon MP and Steph Hancock.
The award for Volunteer of the Year went to Nicole Meakins, from Carina, who has been working at the club for the past 10 years.
Nicole was nominated by Carina Juniors president Paul Bellamy who was one of many people at the club who were grateful for her continued service.
After becoming a member of Carina and an Assistant Team Manager in 2008; Nicole then served as a Team Manager in 2009-2017 (except 2011 due to injury).
She has been a Carina Management Committee member from 2012 to the current season and for the past three years, has served on the Executive Committee as Club Secretary, as well as Club Captain and Player Advisory Committee Chairperson.
A cause that she has championed is mental health, and she has acted as Mental Health First Aid Officer for the past two years. Nicole has also successfully completed the NRL LeagueSafe Awareness and Club Administrator courses and is accredited as Standard Mental Health First Aider.
Notably, in 2016 Nicole was presented the Jack Donnelly Memorial Shield and the CLC Meritorious award; and in 2017 the President's Club Person of the Year award.
In her acceptance speech – she highlighted the need to support referees, especially in the junior ranks. "Without referees, there is no game," she told the room; with many guests nodding their agreement.
She also wanted people to get behind her passion and help promote mental health awareness in the game.
"It is something I am passionate about ... it's a simple thing to ask people 'are you okay?' and to talk about it."
More about Nicole
> Initiatives introduced by Nicole at Carina include: the establishment of a support group for new Team Managers, Club Captain for Mini, Mod and International levels; Player Advisory Committee to promote positive communication between the Executive and players; a ball boy training program and stock control quality assurance for merchandise.
Nicole also organised the official opening function of the Kev Buckmaster Clubhouse this year and is also a full-time working mother and volunteers approximately 20 hours per week to Carina.
Rugby League Brisbane 2018 Women's Volunteer of the Year Nominees:
West Arana Hills: Tamara Rowlingson
Russell Island: Jasmine Martinez
Redlands: Erica Nowland
Pine Central Holy Spirit: Sharon Hickey
Norths Juniors: Lauree Smith
Narangba: Karen Walker
Logan City Hawks: Carolyn Skeen
Easts: Pip Lee
Carina: Nicole Meakins
Aspley: Chantal Haua
Albany Creek: Dale Anderson
