A well-known Nambour and Sunshine Coast / Gympie Rugby League identity was presented with her Central Division (Region) life membership recently in front of her 'home' club at Crusher Park, Nambour.
Rhondda Poor was the undeniable matriarch of senior rugby league on the Sunshine Coast and at the end of last season, when she stood down from office as the league secretary, she was bestowed the honour of life membership of the Division (Region).
Poor's service to the game extends back to 1974 and in various roles she continued this uninterrupted commitment right up to last year.
There is little in club or league land that Rhondda has not contributed to.
Be it a general committee member, fundraising coordinator, match day coordinator, secretary or treasurer, she has done it all.
Most significantly, Poor played a key role in the merger of traditional Nambour clubs, All Whites and Souths, to form the Nambour Crushers.
The success of this merger was largely thanks to people like Poor who dedicated their time so willingly and culminated with the opening of a new clubhouse in 1986.
The lasting legacy she left as the league secretary was not just her longevity (18 years), but also her dedication to ensuring club volunteers were supported unconditionally.
Whilst the life membership recognises the exemplary service to rugby league, Poor's service to her community extends well beyond the great game.
She continues her longstanding contribution to the Red Cross St John's Ambulance, Legacy and Driver Reviver.
When looking to define the term community service, look no further than Rhondda Poor.
*This story was written by QRL Central Region Manager Glenn Ottaway
