Community Awards launch for 2022: 'It’s important to tell the stories of our volunteers'

Volunteers are the heart and soul of rugby league.

They are what keeps the game moving along - whether it’s through coaching the next generation, running the canteen or uniting the community.

And they are always worth celebrating.

The Queensland Rugby League Community Awards aim to do just that, as we recognise and acknowledge the efforts of our clubs and our people in keeping rugby league the greatest game of all.

With nominations opening today for the 2022 awards, it is time to share the stories of our volunteers and clubs and give due credit.

QRL community rugby league general manager Glenn Ottaway said there was no game without volunteers and urged people to start nominating those who deserved it most.

“What we know is that without the support of our volunteers, the game doesn’t survive,” Ottaway said.

“The game in Queensland is very much based on volunteers. We have tens of thousands of volunteers.

“What is researched and reported is that volunteer recognition and storytelling is a big part of retention.

“Without the volunteers, we can’t run the game like we currently do, so it’s important to tell the great stories of our volunteers.

“The clubs that have received these awards previously, it’s not just about what they do on the field, but what they do off the field.”

In a new development to the QRL’s Community Awards, there will now be monthly prize winners across the five awards, with overall winners to be celebrated at the QRL Awards in September.

The QRL Community Awards

The XXXX Community Club Award

The XXXX Community Club Award recognises and rewards a community rugby league club that has enhanced participation and enjoyment of rugby league and goes above and beyond to make a positive impact in their community.

The Shell V-Power Volunteer Award

The Shell V-Power Volunteer Award recognises and rewards a rugby league volunteer who has shown exceptional service to the game, made a measurable difference in their community and actively displays the QRL values - we are positive, we are united, we are inclusive, we are disciplined.

The Harvey Norman Female Contribution Award

The Harvey Norman Female Contribution Award recognises and rewards exceptional service to the female game that has made a measurable difference to women's rugby league in Queensland.

The Auswide Bank Community Program Award

The Auswide Bank Community Program Award recognises and rewards excellent and innovative community programs - coordinated by clubs and/or leagues - which significantly improves outcomes for their community and fosters a culture of learning, supporting and sharing of excellent practice.

The Ned Australian Whisky Community Coach Award

The Ned Australian Whisky Community Coach Award recognises and rewards a community rugby league coach who goes above and beyond to display the QRL values - we are positive, we are united, we are inclusive, we are disciplined - to better rugby league in Queensland.

Winners will also go into consideration for NRL’s national awards, which Ottaway said Queensland clubs had a strong history of winning.

In 2021, Queensland's Harvey Norman Female Contribution Award winner Gillian Bann went on to claim the NRL Women In League Award and the Barcaldine Sandgoannas won both the XXXX Community Club of the Year and the NRL Community Club Award.

Nominations are open now; to nominate visit qrl.com.au/communityawards.