Two volunteers, who have given a combined 80 years’ service to the game in Indigenous and regional NSW areas, and a hard-working small-town club in central NSW, are among the NSWRL Community Awards winners recognised nationally today as part of the NRL’s annual awards.
The NSWRL is proud to congratulate three of its state Community Awards winners - Wendy Povey (Volunteer of the Year), Victor Wright (Indigenous Volunteer of the Year) and the Narromine Jets (Community Club of the Year) - who have now been given the dual honour of winning prestigious national awards announced by the NRL in the lead-up to the Telstra Premiership Grand Final.
The NRL Community Awards consist of six categories, four of which have been awarded to people and a club from NSW, including the Women in League award received by Jessica Ashcroft.
All winners were given a special presentation in their local communities along with an opportunity to experience the 2022 NRL Grand Final at Sydney’s Accor Stadium this Sunday.
NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said: “The NRL Community Awards are an opportunity to recognise and give thanks on a national stage to volunteers for what they do, and I just want to congratulate each of them, but especially our NSW winners, for their efforts and contribution to the game.
“It Is because of these volunteers that all of our participants can have an enjoyable experience and continue to play and be involved with the game we all love.”
The Narromine Jets were recognised for the work they do in supporting their community, fundraising initiatives to provide training for their volunteers, overcoming the challenges around staging home games caused by delays to the redevelopment of their ground, and an executive decision to change groups in 2022 to protect the club’s viability.
Povey is recognised as the heart of Morpeth Junior Rugby League club for which she was a founding member 30 years ago.
She still contributes more than 40 hours per week as the treasurer, canteen supervisor and merchandise coordinator.
“My three boys started with Morpeth – but that was years ago,” she said. “They are well out of it now as my ‘baby’ is 41! But I’m still there for the love of it.
“I get great satisfaction out of volunteering at the club and seeing those pass through it. You feel like you’re doing something worthwhile.”
Wright, a proud Dunghutti and Aniwan man, was recognised for work done over the past 50 years as a founding member of the annual NSW Aboriginal Rugby League carnival - the Koori Knockout.
The event is seen as a vehicle for the continuation and renewal of cultural traditions.
Wright has also played a key role in the development of the NSW State Library exhibition celebrating half-a-century of Koori Knockout memories.
The 2023 event is being held over the next four days at Bombaderry and Nowra.
Ashcroft was recognised for her commitment to growing women’s involvement in Rugby League, investing her time in areas from coaching to refereeing as well as playing for the Forbes Magpies Junior Rugby League Club.
NRL Head of Participation, Community and Game Development Andrew Every congratulated all this year’s winners thanking them for the commitment to growing Rugby League.
“The NRL Community Awards are about recognising and celebrating our game’s unsung heroes and to thank them for the tireless work they do,” Every said.
“The 2022 winners are a representation of the thousands of volunteer across the country who give up their time to help Rugby League thrive both on and off the field.
“It has been great to present these awards to the winners, often as a surprise, in front of their loved ones, friends and Rugby League family in their local communities.
“I’d also like to thank Your Local Club for their continued support of the awards as our 2022 sponsor for the Community Rugby League Club of the Year.
“It’s an honour to spotlight a few of these incredible people and clubs each year as part of the awards and I think every volunteer who makes this game great.”
