More than 23,000 volunteers contributed their time to rugby league communities across Queensland in 2026, and many of those dedicated individuals were recently recognised at Queensland Rugby League's inaugural Community Game Changers Dinners.
Held in Townsville, Toowoomba and Brisbane, the dinners celebrated the volunteers whose passion, commitment and service help keep rugby league thriving from grassroots through to the elite game.
The events brought together service pin recipients, shortlisted volunteer award nominees and club representatives from across each region, providing an opportunity to acknowledge the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support players, officials, clubs and competitions.
As part of the celebrations, attendees were presented with certificates recognising their contribution to the game, including:
- Certificate of Appreciation for 20+ years of service
- Certificate of Recognition for club representatives
- Volunteer award finalists recognised for their outstanding contributions throughout 2026
The dinners also featured special guest Q&A sessions with Queensland rugby league greats Brent Tate (Townsville), Shane Webcke (Toowoomba) and Petero Civoniceva (Southeast Queensland), who shared memories from their playing careers and reflected on the crucial role volunteers have played throughout their journeys in the game.
Queensland Rugby League Central Region Manager Steve Price said the evenings provided an important opportunity to shine a light on the people who often work behind the scenes without seeking recognition.
"Our volunteers are the heartbeat of community rugby league. So much of what they do happens behind the scenes and often without any expectation of recognition.
"Just taking this small bit of time to recognise and thank all of these incredible people is very important. The dinners have given us the opportunity to recognise not only the hours they contribute, but the impact they have on so many people," Price Said.
The Community Game Changers Dinners highlighted the thousands of Queenslanders whose efforts make participation possible every week.
From setting up fields and running canteens, to managing teams, serving on committees, coaching players and supporting match day operations, volunteers remain the heartbeat of rugby league across the state. Their dedication not only supports the game but helps foster stronger and more connected local communities.
Queensland Rugby League State Programs Coordinator Linda Saunders said bringing volunteers together from across the state created valuable connections and reinforced the important role they play within their communities.
"Connection is such an important part of volunteering. Bringing volunteers from Townsville, Toowoomba and the South-East together to celebrate their contribution alongside their peers was a wonderful reminder of the strong connections created within the communities where they live, work and volunteer," Saunders said.
As the evenings unfolded, volunteers had the opportunity to meet others who share their passion for the game, exchange ideas and build new relationships across clubs and regions.
"The value of creating that space cannot be underestimated. When you have a room filled with volunteers representing years and years of combined service, there is an incredible wealth of knowledge, experience and passion to learn from. Bringing those people together strengthens not only our volunteer community, but the game itself across Queensland," Saunders said.
For Price, one of the most memorable aspects of the Toowoomba dinner was seeing long-serving volunteers recognised by the communities they have helped shape.
"It was incredible seeing them have their moment and hear their stories, because behind every person recognised there are countless hours of work, dedication and sacrifice that people outside their club don't see," he said.
The inaugural dinners were established to recognise those contributions and provide an opportunity for volunteers to connect, share experiences and celebrate their collective impact on the game.
With more than 23,000 volunteers helping deliver rugby league experiences across Queensland in 2026, the Community Game Changers Dinners served as a fitting tribute to the people whose dedication continues to strengthen clubs, inspire participation and create opportunities for future generations.
More than just a celebration, the inaugural events marked the beginning of a new tradition honouring the Queenslanders who give their time so others can play, connect and belong through rugby league.
