Australian Rugby announces the Volunteer
Glen Byrnes, Australian Rugby Volunteer of the Year, with the 2008 John Eales Medallist George Smith
The John Eales Medal presentation on Thursday night was not just about recognising achievements on the field in the past year but honouring those who have made a valuable contribution off the field as well with the announcement of the 2008 Volunteer of the Year.
Under the ARU National Volunteer Recognition Program each State Union provides the ARU with their nomination for the Volunteer of the Year.
The ARU’s President, Paul McLean, Managing Director and CEO, John O’Neill and the General Manager Community Rugby Ian Alker then determine the National Volunteer of the Year.
The judging criteria used to select the National Volunteer of the Year are:
- significant contribution to the sport of rugby;
- innovation and leadership;
- demonstration of Community Rugby participation;
- meeting an identified Community Rugby need;
- meeting an identified region/zone, state or national rugby need;
- contribution of best practice principles; and
- contribution to rugby within their State/Territory Union up to and including July 2008.
The 2008 candidates were outstanding and include individuals who have participated at the community rugby level for over 20 years. The nominees were:
Mick Clay (NSWRU)
• Over 30 years involvement with rugby
• Experience with Liverpool Rugby Club, Sydney Rugby Union Grades Committee, Chairman of Sydney Rugby Second Division and member of NSW Rugby Committee
• Provided match operations assistance at South Pacific Championship, Sydney Second Division Finals, Sydney Third Division Finals, Super 8, Super 10, Super 12, Super 14, Pacific Nation’s Cup and Wallabies matches (including RWC 2003)
Glen Byrnes (NTRU)
• 25 years involvement with rugby
• Committee Member, U10’s Coach, Ground Development Sub Committee, Sponsorship Manager, and Grants Manager for the Swampdogs Rugby Union Club
• Presents rugby programs in schools with NTRU Development Officers
• 2008 Manager of NT U14 Representative side
Tony Radcliffe (Brumbies)
• 18 years involvement with rugby
• Served on Board of Management, and roles as Team Manager and Selector/Chairman of Selectors
• Ground Marshal at matches devoting many Saturday’s to dressing and stripping down the ground
David Hawkins (VRU)
• 28 years involvement with rugby
• Operations Director of Endeavour Hills Rugby Union Football Club
• Prior Club Secretary, Treasurer, President and Team Manager for club and state teams
• Has re-written club Constitution twice to remain current with legislation
• Active Referee for 15 years and currently holds Level 1 accreditation
Steve Sandford (SARU)
• Secretary of the SA Referee’s Association
• Assists with Referee coaching of new officials
Narelle Cathcart (QRU)
• A head organiser of the Queensland Junior Rugby Union State Championships
• First became involved in with QJRU State Championships in 2003 and has been a key figure in the growth of the Championships
Julie Skiba (RugbyWA)
• Treasurer and Secretary of WA Junior Rugby Union
• Treasurer of WA Rugby Union Referees Association
• Appointments Officers for WA Junior Rugby Union games
• First Female Referee in the State
Melissa Beechey (TRU)
• Member of TRU Board for several years
• Secretary of TRU Board of Management
The winner was Glen Byrnes (pictured). Glen was judged to have met the selection criteria in the following ways:
Significant contribution to the sport of rugby:
Glen has been involved in Rugby for 25 years as a player and volunteer at both senior and junior club levels.
Innovation and leadership:
Glen has been involved in leadership roles at junior club level. He has held various positions including Committee Member, Ground Development Sub Committee member, Sponsorship Manager, Grants Manager and coach.
In terms of innovation and initiative he organised the loan of a front end loader and took two days off work to clear 15 acres of bush for the development of new grounds for his club!
Demonstration of Community Rugby participation:
He was a player and is also coaching a junior team.
In addition to Glen’s committee and coaching roles he also organises his Club’s annual presentation day including arranging the venue, catering entertainment and trophies.
Meeting an identified Community Rugby need:
Meets the need of developing up and coming players by coaching the U10’s team and assisting with managing junior representative teams.
Has secured sponsorships for his clubs junior teams to cover playing gear and training equipment.
Meeting an identified region/zone, state or national rugby need:
Glen has managed State representative teams (NT U/14 Team) and he has assisted the NTRU Development Officer’s at schools in his local area.
