Queensland celebrates the volunteers at the heart of the game
Across every corner of Queensland, rugby league is powered by volunteers.
From coaches and trainers to referees, committee members, canteen volunteers, team managers and administrators, thousands of people give their time each week to ensure players of all ages have the opportunity to enjoy the game. Their dedication creates safe, welcoming and inclusive environments where communities can come together through rugby league.
Queensland Rugby League was proud to recognise many of these incredible individuals through the 2026 Westpac Community Volunteer Awards, celebrating the people whose passion and commitment continue to strengthen the game from the grassroots up.
While there were only seven award recipients, each nomination represented a story of selfless service, countless hours volunteered and an unwavering commitment to local clubs and communities. Being nominated is an achievement in itself, reflecting the impact these volunteers have on the people around them and the lasting difference they make to the game.
This year, an incredible 301 Queenslanders were nominated by their communities for the contribution they make to rugby league. Together, they represent the very best of our game; people who turn up week after week, often behind the scenes, asking for nothing in return except the opportunity to give back.
The QRL extends its sincere thanks and congratulations to every person nominated in this year's awards. Your commitment, generosity and passion do not go unnoticed, and Queensland rugby league is stronger because of you.
If you've ever considered becoming involved in your local club, there's never been a better time. Whether you can spare a few hours each week or take on a regular role, volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to make a difference in your community. Rugby league needs people from all walks of life, and every contribution, no matter how big or small, helps keep our great game growing.
Below are the 301 outstanding volunteers nominated for the 2026 Westpac Community Volunteer Awards. Their names represent not only individual achievement, but the thousands of volunteers who continue to make rugby league the heartbeat of communities across Queensland.
Ready to become a volunteer? Start your journey today! https://www.playrugbyleague.com/assist/?_ga=2.186994280.1524140740.1666914769-1854683122.1636940711
Westpac Volunteer of the Year Nominations
South East Queensland:
Julie Gerchow, Kailah Bell, Kym Brandon, Paul Carins, Kristen Bone, Kelli Dux, Angela Konstantinos, John Gray, Andrew Ressia, Jody Cook, Mathew Lonergan, Kaye Thomson, Chris Chesire, Egon Neil, Teuber, Dallas Lee, Quintin Austin, Quintin Austen, Paul Joseph, Tanya Bonney, Mike Liddle, Christine Blackwell, Amber Weller, Darren Plunkett, Mathew Lonergen, Neil Shave, Tammy Sheridan, Callum Sheridan, William Quinnell, Jamie Tompkin, Meghan Cushway, Cameron Chan-Mitchell, Conor Morrissy, Nicholas Lutzke, Charlotte Peck, Carlie Lewis, Adrian Armstrong, Merryl Bennett, James Nolan, Christine Bennett, Frank Bennett, Kellie Podmore, Christopher Cheshire, Phill Owen, Samantha McFall, Robyn Tyler, Corrin Latimer, Watene Atama, Julie Kovacic, Nat Parr, Glen Muller, Carly White, Amy Mckinnon, Kylie Buchannan, Matiah Sessarago, Michael Jocys, Hannah Saunders, Emma Simpson, Kym Cooper, Karen Denny, Quinton Cassidy, Olivia Goroncy
Northern/Capricornia:
Lucy Lauder, Les-Lee Reid, Kellie Tait, Patrina Taylor, Wayne Bourne, Alysa Batchelor, Tenille Dittman, Tommy Hewitt, Narelle Marteene, Rommel Wilson, Andrew Hopes, Hayley Scholes, Debra Browning, Jaimee Lawson, Shannon Cleary, Paul Morris, Tiffany Pringle, Terri’lee Sharpe, Ingrid Murphy, Emma Hardgrave, Jessica Bombardieri, Emma Hardgrove, Amanda Twigge, Carolyn Young
Central Queensland:
Mathew Gough, Jessica Trembath, Melinda Thorburn, Rowan Winterfield, Robyn Geddes, Jessica O'Neill, Phil Armstrong, Otto Tuima, Rhonda Campbell, Sonya Olsen, Ben Palmer, Marty Holding, Joeli-Rae Anderson, Joseph Witteman, Rebecca Baillie, Sam Schooth, Jimmy Hamilton, Scott Robertson, Kimberley Rigley, Jasmine Toohey, Kelli Herlihen, David Payne, Tiaywana Young, Lisa Milne, Victor SARWOM, Maurica Morton, Tamara Withers, Deni-Jay Drake, Vicky Ebborn, Vanessa Watson, Alyce Spoors, Kelsi Gaudry, Anthony Matthews, Jessica Oneil, Mark Sullivan, Kyra Quinn, Jessica Gorry
Region Shortlist
Cameron Love (Central)
Jessica Brosnan (Central)
Morgan Edwards (Central)
Chrissy Walters (Northern/Capricornia)
Amanda Welch (SEQ)
Brooke Cruickshank (SEQ)
State Shortlist
Patrick Haughton (Northern/Capricornia)
Adrian Aslette (Northern/Capricornia)
Winner
Marleis Sparey (SEQ)
Westpac Young Person of the Year
South East Queensland:
Maggie Lee, Melony Bonney, Aurora Beazley, Isaac Jeffries, Oliver Major
Northern/Capricornia:
Ella Austin
Central Queensland:
Ryder Creamer, Cooper Wolfe
Region Shortlist
Cameron Chan Mitchell (SEQ)
Dylan Pritchard (SEQ)
Jett Nixon-Smith (Northern/Capricornia)
Toby Cox (Northern/Capricornia)
State Shortlist
Kobi Locke (Northern/Capricornia)
Thomas Bone (SEQ)
Winner
Abbey Cox (Northern/Capricornia)
XXXX Community Club of the Year
South East Queensland:
Aspley Devils, Brother St Brendans, Browns Plains Bear, Burpengary Jets Junior Rugby League Club, Eagleby Giants Junior Rugby League Football Club Inc, East juniors, Eastern Suburbs Juniors, Lowood Stags, Redbank Plains Bears, Rochedale Tigers, Slacks Creek Rugby league, Souths Sunnybank, Stradbroke Island, West, Brisbane Juniors, Wests Mitchelton, Tugun Juniors, Beaudesert Kingfishers, Helensvale Hornets
Northern/Capricornia:
Sarina Junior Rugby League Club, Emu Park JRL, North Knights Junior Rugby League, Middlemount Panthers Juniors, Blackwater Crushers Junior Rugby League Club, Cloncurry Eagles,
Central Queensland:
Thargo Bulls Rugby League Club, Hervey Bay Rugby League, Gayndah RLFC, Normanton Stingers Rugby League Football Club, Cloncurry Eagles, Beachmere Rugby League Football Club, Nambour Junior RLFC, Caboolture Snakes JRL
Region Shortlist
Greenbank Raiders Rugby Legaue Club (SEQ)
South's Jr Acacia Ridge (SEQ)
Waterford Demons (SEQ)
West Tigers Mackay (Northern/Capricornia)
Biloela Junior Rugby League Panther Cubs (Northern/Capricornia)
Charleville Comets Junior Rugby League (Northern/Capricornia)
State Shortlist
Normanton Stingers Rugby League Football Club (Northern/Capricornia)
Mudgeeraba Redbacks (SEQ)
Winner
Warwick Cowboys Junior Rugby League Club (Central)
Westpac Contribution to the Female Game
South East Queensland:
Troy Bone, Georgina Davis, Melissa O'Sullivan, Tarnya Frew, Jai Smith
Julie-Ann Blackman, Craig Maguley
Central Queensland:
Kate Templeman, Jack Pearson
Region Shortlist
Kym Cooper (SEQ)
Laura Frassetto-Lea (SEQ)
Michael Wirihana (Northern/Capricornia)
Rothana Baira (Northern/Capricornia)
State Shortlist
Melissa Sotheren (Northern/Capricornia)
Nicola Schofield (SEQ)
Winner
Tiana Horswood (Northern/Capricornia)
Westpac Contribution to Officiating
South East Queensland:
Tanya Bonney, Shaun Urquhart, Herewini Stockman
Northern/Capricornia:
Kobi Loch, Victor Sarwom
Central Queensland:
Northern Districts Rugby League , Ethan Garton
Region Shortlist
Gavin Collins (SEQ)
Toby McCall (Northern/Capricornia)
Kyra Quinn (Central)
State Shortlist
Daniel Lyons (Northern/Capricornia)
Chris Cheshire (SEQ)
Winner
Jacob Dash (Northern/Capricornia)
Westpac Indigenous Community Award
South East Queensland:
Souths Juniors
Northern/Capricornia:
Ashleigh Schrieber
Central Queensland:
George Fisher
Region Shortlist
West Inala (SEQ)
Clinton Williams (Northern/Capricornia)
State Shortlist
Anita Wharton (Central)
George Fisher (Central)
Winner
Rothana Baira (Northern/Capricornia)
Westpac Community Coach of the Year
South East Queensland:
Sonny Brown, Mitch Brownlees, Daniel McGahan, Aaron Russell, Joel Drinnan, Sam Tregenza, Sonny Brown, Asrar "Az" Peer, Daniel Joyce, Carl Hartwig, Dylan Kelly, Mark Campbell, Bianca Reynolds
Northern/Capricornia:
Dominic Draper, Karl Stevens, Chris Thompson, Matt Chadwick, Trent Bryne, Paul Hicks, Duncan Watt, Leigh Dunn, Matthew James, Jason Connolly, Corrin Skeene
Central Queensland:
Rowan Winterfield, Tasi Asi
Region Shortlist
Troy Bone (SEQ)
Zac Cooper (SEQ)
Rebecca Petersen (Northern/Capricornia)
Owen Cox (Northern/Capricornia)
Anthony Horswood (Central)
Paul Geyer (Central)
State Shortlist
Rob Brough (Central)
Michael Plumb (SEQ)
Winner
Tolson Loram (Northern/Capricornia)
