AWARDS

On Saturday 23 May, Wests Group Macarthur hosted the fifth annual Volunteer of the Year Awards in the Wests League Club auditorium, welcoming almost 350 guests to recognise the outstanding contribution of sporting volunteers across the Macarthur region.

The event brought together members of the Wests Sports Council, along with representatives from local sporting clubs and associations, to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of volunteers and the vital role they play in supporting and sustaining community sport. As a long-standing supporter of local sport, Wests Group Macarthur is proud to host the free awards night each year during National Volunteer Week as a way of recognising the important role our community volunteers play on and off the field.

The awards program welcomed long service submissions as well as an overall Youth (under 21yrs) and Adult (21+yrs) of the Year nominations and was open to over 30 member clubs and associations of the Wests Sports Council, who deliver local sport to Macarthur via a network representing upwards of 42,000 athletes, administrators, and volunteers.

Alan Buxton, Chairman of Wests Group Macarthur shares, “It was an honour once again to recognise the incredible contributions of more than 100 outstanding sporting volunteers. Together, this year’s recipients represented 128 decades of collective service to community sport – a priceless contribution to our region. “We were also thrilled also recognise our annual winners and their stories and to pay tribute to Tony Norton, a founding father and life member of Wests League Club for his remarkable commitment of more than 70 years to the Campbelltown City Kangaroos Rugby League Football Club”.

From February to April 2026 Wests Group received over 100 nominations from a diverse range of codes including netball, hockey, rugby league, football, referees, cricket, and more. Each service nominee received a commemorative service pin, certificate and gift from Wests Group Macarthur, with more than 120 nominations recognised across the 2026 awards program.

Wests extended complimentary invitations for the celebration to up to ten representatives of each of the Wests Sports Council members made up of presidents, committee members, and volunteer nominations in an evening hosted by former Australian Olympian, Sarah Ryan. Guests were treated to beverages and a premium menu prepared by Wests Chefs of seafood, chicken and vegetarian entrees, a main course of Lamb Rack or Humpty Doo Barramundi as well as a decadent dessert.

The night was well attended with dignitaries Campbelltown Mayor Cr Darcy Lound, and Camden Mayor Cr Therese Fedeli and featured a fantastic panel discussion featuring Macarthur Bulls Captain Luke Brattan and Central Defender Matt Jurman. To round out the night, the audience was treated to live music and a performance by the world-renowned illusionist, Jack Daniels.

WINNER Youth Volunteer of the Year – Grace Firth, Varroville Netball Club

Grace joined Varroville Netball Club in 2024 while completing Year 12 and made an extraordinary impact on the club.

Even during her time living in Goulburn, Grace would drive up after school to train, umpire, help with matches, and support the club in any way she could, often returning home late the same evening. Now, as a university student living in the city, Grace continues to prioritise the club, travelling to Campbelltown every Tuesday night and Saturday to coach, umpire, mentor, and support wherever she is needed.

At just 19 years of age, Grace is one of the youngest Umpire Conveners in Campbelltown. In 2025, she stepped into the role of Assistant Club Umpire Convener, while also taking over the under 11B Night Competition team at short notice when their coach was unable to return. In 2026, she became Club Umpire Convener and coach of the Varroville Netball Club 12B team.

While working towards achieving her National B Badge this year, Grace is known for continually putting the development of the younger umpires first. She coordinates training schedules, mentors developing umpires, fills in for games whenever needed, works collaboratively with other clubs to ensure games are covered, and supports fundraising and club operations without hesitation.

Winner Adult Volunteer of the Year – Gordon Costello, Eschol Park Little Athletics Club

For more than 35 years, Gordon has been the heart and soul of Eschol Park Little Athletics Club, a longstanding leader and driving force whose dedication, passion and service have helped shape the athletics community it is today.

Over the decades, Gordon has volunteered in countless roles and today continues to serve as Club Coach and Equipment Officer, spending Monday and Tuesday evenings at the grounds supporting athletes and preparing for training and competition. Every Friday night, Gordon ensures all equipment is organised and ready for competition, and throughout the athletics season, from September to March, he works tirelessly to ensure the grounds, tracks and field event areas are properly marked and maintained for athletes.

His contribution extends far beyond his local club. Gordon also serves as the Zone Coordinator for the Southwest area, assists at school carnivals, supports Special Olympics events, and is always willing to help disabled athletes across the Southwest wherever possible. In addition, he officiates at athletics carnivals across the state, generously contributing his time, experience and expertise. Gordon’s devotion to athletics, and to the people within the sport, is truly exceptional.

A Life Member of the Club, Zone and State Association, these honours reflect only a small part of the enormous contribution he has made over so many years. His outstanding service, unwavering dedication and lifelong commitment to athletics and the community continue to leave a lasting impact on generations of young athletes and families.

Beyond the Wests Sports Volunteer of the Year Awards, Wests Group Macarthur proudly supports local sport through a seasonal awards program as well as a substantial amount of funding each year towards the ongoing success of each member club of the Wests Sports Council.  The Wests Sports Council plays a vital role in Wests Group Macarthur’s long-standing commitment to sport in the region and aims to provide simple pathways for community access to affordable and well-administered sporting opportunities within a thriving local network of sporting clubs and associations.