Sporting and recreation volunteers were welcomed to Woodville Town Hall as part of our City of Charles Sturt Sports Awards.
The event, now in its second year was hosted by Mike Smithson, and brought together a range of clubs from across our City.
A huge thank you also goes to our sponsors.
Congratulations to all nominees, finalists and the winners across the five categories below:
West Beach Parks - Coach or Official of the Year
Mark Harrity
Mark has been involved in cricket as a player and coach at the elite, local and community level. He has been head coach at West Torrens Cricket Club for the past six seasons, overseeing both the West Torrens Young Eagles junior academy and Men’s 1st grade team.
The 2021/2022 season saw the Men’s 1st Grade team win both the SACA two day and one day premierships, giving Mark an imposing record of 5 premierships in the last six years. Mark also helps develop the state’s best junior fast bowlers, working part-time work as head coach at the Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy.
“This event is such a great way to bring the clubs together”, Mark said.
Westfield West Lakes - Administrator of the Year
Kristy Amato
Kristy is the Flinders Park Football Club treasurer and spreadsheet guru, managing the canteen, financial acquittals and training staff.
She is always the first person to volunteer, organising signage, cooking meals when the chef is unavailable, selling raffle tickets, welcoming new members, transporting kids, and doing more in her six years at the club than most do in a lifetime.
Adelaide 36ers - Club/Association of the Year
Adelaide Jaguars Women’s Soccer Club
Adelaide Jaguars Women’s Soccer Club originated from humble beginnings 12 years ago, with dedicated parents forging a new club that prioritised positive and safe environments, and a focus on opportunities for girls. In 2019 the club registered 70 players and fielded five teams, since growing to over 200 female players and 15 teams, while also establishing an afterschool competition and social league for mums.
Adelaide Jags are now the largest, fastest growing female-only soccer club in South Australia, recently partnering with Football SA to host Australia’s largest ever female only coaching course.
"The club truly believes there is no limit for our women and girls, and have only just begun the journey. While there is so much more to come, we want to celebrate the integral part that our club plays in providing women and girls opportunities to play sport within the City of Charles Sturt and would like to share our story of success with the wider community", shared Bronny Brooks, junior coordinator.
Active Inclusion - Champion Award
David Couzner - Joint Winner
Since joining the Woodville West Torrens FC Board in 2016, David has been pivotal in engaging Indigenous APY Lands communities, while also supporting a young Garawa man and Indigenous women from Central Australia to play at the Eagles.
He initiated the Club’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and helped gain the services of an Indigenous woman to the Club’s Board. David was instrumental in setting up the Eagles Novita SANFL Wheelchair Football Team in 2021, and is the SANFL State Coach for the Inclusive Academy.
Active Inclusion - Champion Award
Semaphore Seabirds - Joint Winner
Under the guidance of head coach Kate Newman, the Semaphore Seabirds is a Nippers group for children with a disability aged 5-13 years, created as part of Semaphore SLSC’s commitment to developing inclusivity.
The program runs alongside the existing Nippers program with modified activities. The Seabirds were the only club with young people with disabilities recently competing at the State Carnival.
“This program has benefited all of the club, not just the kids involved, and this award acknowledges that inclusiveness is important to both our community and Charles Sturt”, said Kate.
Mayor’s Award – Lifelong Contribution to Sport in the City of Charles Sturt
Raelene Donnell – Semaphore Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC)
Raelene is a driving force at Semaphore SLSC and Surf Life Saving SA for over 40 years. As the current Vice President, Raelene continues to officiate Rescue and Resuscitation (R&R) events at both State and national level.
Raelene also championed the Silver Salties, a Surf Life Saving Australia program to encourage over 60s to meet, exercise and socialise in the club environment. Raelene leads by example and her amazing contributions make the Club and community a better place.
“This award was so unexpected. I enjoy the coaching, supporting all the clubs along the coast and I really enjoy the interactions with the young people. To volunteer, you just have to put your hand up”, shared Raelene.
City of Charles Sturt - 2022 Sports Volunteer of the Year
Kristy Amato - Flinders Park Football Club
Kristy's outstanding work at the Flinders Park Football Club not only earned her the Westfield West Lakes - Administrator of the Year Award, but she was also recognised as the City of Charles Sturt - 2022 Sports Volunteer of the Year.