Nominations open for Volunteer Awards, presented by Westpac

Queensland Rugby League has today launched the nomination process for the 2026 Community Volunteer Awards, proudly presented by Westpac.

These awards provide recognition for the volunteers who make community rugby league possible across Queensland.

This year’s awards will highlight the efforts of volunteers across seven categories, celebrating officials, coaches and those who champion the game in Indigenous communities, female rugby league and wellbeing initiatives.

Anyone who wishes to nominate a volunteer for an award can do so here before nominations close on April 12.

Those shortlisted will be guests of each region during the following events: 

Northern Region lunch, May 15, Townsville
Central Region lunch, May 22, Hervey Bay
SEQ Region lunch, June 1, Coorparoo

Courtesy of the QRL and Westpac, the winner of each category will be treated to an unforgettable State of Origin experience, including travel to Brisbane, accommodation and tickets to Game Three at Suncorp Stadium.

QRL general manager of community rugby league, Adam Vanzanten, encouraged members of the rugby league community to nominate a worthy volunteer.

“The Community Volunteer Awards are one of the key ways the QRL acknowledges the essential contribution volunteers make in ensuring every rugby league participant enjoys a safe and enjoyable experience,” Vanzanten said.

“We encourage everyone involved in the game to use this opportunity to thank and recognise the volunteers whose efforts help build strong, healthy clubs and leagues.

“Rugby league volunteers are a special group, and we’ll ensure our QRL award recipients are also put forward for further recognition with the NRL and other organisations that celebrate outstanding volunteer contributions across the country.”

With player participation numbers growing each year, Vanzanten is encouraged by the increase in registered volunteers throughout the early months of 2026.

“The number of registered volunteers is up 16.50 per cent on this time last year,” Vanzanten said.

“With overall player registrations also having increased by 12 per cent on this time last year, it’s imperative that our volunteer numbers keep growing with it, and that’s certainly the case at the moment.

“We’ll be forever grateful to those who continue to put their hand up each year, as well as the people who are supporting their local club or league by taking on new roles this year.”

Award categories:

Westpac Volunteer of the Year
Recognising an individual that has provided exceptional service to the game and made a measurable difference.

Westpac Indigenous Community Award
Recognising an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and advocacy in supporting the growth, inclusion and participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in rugby league.

XXXX Community Club of the Year
Recognising a club that exemplifies the Queensland Rugby League values by fostering participation, enjoyment, and positive experiences at all levels of rugby league.

Westpac Contribution to the Female Game
Recognising an individual whose advocacy, leadership, and commitment to being united, positive, inclusive and disciplined has significantly advanced opportunities for women in rugby league.

Westpac Community Coach of the Year 
Recognising an individual who provides a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where participants can develop, belong, and thrive in the game.

Westpac Young Person of the Year
Recognising a young person aged 12–24 who demonstrates the values of being united, disciplined, positive and inclusive by using rugby league as a platform to bring people together and enrich the lives of others.

Westpac Contribution to Officiating
Recognising an individual who demonstrates QRL values through an exceptional off‑field contribution to community rugby league officiating.