On the weekend we celebrated some of the incredible volunteers who are the heart and soul of local sport in the City of PAE. At our first ever sports volunteer recognition event, held at The Lights Sports & Community Centre, Australian basketball legend Jo Hill gave a wonderful speech about the importance of sport in local communities. Jo was a key member of the Opals - the Australian women’s national basketball team - during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
A big thank you to Tony & Marks and Green Space Management for sponsoring our inaugural event.
To see photos from the event visit our Facebook page or continue reading for information on the individuals nominated by their club for their dedication, generosity and passion.
John and Sandra McKenzie - Volunteers of Adelaide Sportdog Club
John and Sandra have been two of the club's most dedicated and hardworking members for the past 15 years, showing up every week to help on the field, in the canteen, on the BBQ, and with cleaning the entire clubhouse. They’re the first to put their hand up whenever the club puts a callout for volunteers and are always looking at new ways to help. Both bring constant happiness and generosity to everything they do.
Megan Cradock - Vice President of Coastal Community Dog Training Club
Megan has been a driving force behind the growth of the club over the past 5 years. She wears many hats – Vice President, Instructor, Social Media Manager, and Event Organiser – all while juggling paid work. Her commitment to show up every Sunday morning, even after a late Saturday night shift, is truly commendable. Megan’s dedication and tireless efforts to help the club grow and improve make her an invaluable asset to the club.
Sharon Heath - President of Coastal Community Dog Training Club
Sharon has been a dedicated President and Instructor at the club for the past 5 years. She leads puppy classes, welcomes new members, answers enquiries around the clock, and somehow still finds time to support every volunteer with warmth and generosity. Sharon’s leadership, kindness, and commitment to positive, rewards-based dog training have shaped the culture and growth of the club. Her efforts are the heart of the community.
Michael Nettle - Volunteer of Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia
Michael has been involved with the club for the past 3 years, starting by helping on the Duty Boat, assisting with flag duties and setting buoys for races. Since then, he has taken on repairs, maintenance, and moving boats - always stepping in wherever needed, often at short notice. His reliability and willingness to help behind the scenes make a big difference.
Kim Thomas - Secretary of Gaza Sports & Community Club
Kim has been involved with the club for the past 10 years and took on the role of Secretary two years ago during a critical time, helping to steer the club away from closure with her passion, dedication, and tireless effort. As a proud parent of three players across cricket, netball, and football, she has done it all – from team managing to organising presentations.
Jake Smith - Volunteer of Kilburn Cricket Club
Jake has been a dedicated cricket scorer for the past 3 years, providing both traditional scorebook entries and live electronic updates so supporters can follow every ball from anywhere. He volunteers every match day, whether it’s at home or away, and is there from the first ball until the very last one. Jake also sets up and packs away equipment and prepares afternoon tea at home matches. As cricket’s sole volunteer, his commitment allows players to focus on the game.
Susan Clegg - Vice President of Administration of North Adelaide Basketball Club
Susan has been a dedicated volunteer for over 20 years, earning Life Membership for her exceptional service as a committee member, Treasurer, and now Vice President of Administration. She has managed both junior and top-grade women’s teams, handles complex foreign visas and licenses for overseas players, and has the onerous task of coordinating training space at multiple sites for over 60 teams. Her commitment, efforts and contributions does not go unnoticed, making her an irreplaceable asset to the club.
Daniel Wooster - President of North Torrens Rugby Union Football Club
Daniel has been involved with the club for the past 4 years, serving as Club President for three of those years and now coaching the men’s team while also assisting with the women’s team. Daniel’s often wearing many hats, doing whatever he can to help the club, whether it be on the field or off it.
Leanne Campbell - Volunteer of Pickleball SA & Committee Member of the new Northern Stars Pickleball Club
Leanne has been involved with the Pickleball community for the past 3 years and is a passionate Pickleball advocate who generously gives her time coaching new players and encouraging all skill levels during social sessions. She introduced a new competitive playing format that’s now being adopted similarly statewide, while also serving as one of only two Level 3 referees in South Australia, overseeing referee training and tournament officiating. As a key member of the Tournaments Committee and a founding member of Northern Stars Pickleball Club, Leanne’s dedication behind the scenes is immense. Her positive attitude and warm personality make her a beloved member of the Pickleball community.
Scott Greber - Junior Coordinator at Port Adelaide Cricket Club
Scott has been involved with the club for the past 4 years and has transformed the clubs Junior Cricket Pathway Program during that time, turning struggling teams into strong competitors. Before his involvement, the club had to forfeit a team due to lack of numbers and rarely won matches, losing local players to other clubs or the sport entirely. Under Scott’s leadership, all the junior teams have improved considerably, from zero wins 4 seasons ago to 26 wins last season, boosting player retention and recruitment, and leading to an unprecedented surplus of players for the first time in over 100 years. Scott’s contribution has been immense and has set up the club for many years ahead.
Jess Barry - Secretary at Port Adelaide District Baseball Club
Jess has been involved with the club for over 6 years, playing multiple key roles including Club Secretary, Social Media Manager, Uniform Coordinator, Baseball SA Committee representative, and Child Safety Officer. This past season, she stepped in as Junior and Senior Coordinator when the roles became vacant and is a strong advocate of the club's women’s baseball program. She has been instrumental in organising the club’s first Indigenous Round and driving Mental Health Awareness programs. Balancing full-time work and family life with four active kids, Jess dedicates countless hours year-round to support the club. The club is very appreciative of the work and dedication Jess provides to the club as without her, many of their programs would not have been possible.
Lyndelle Connor - Former President of Port Adelaide District Baseball Club
Lyndelle has been involved with the club for over 15 years and has held several roles, most recently serving as President. Under her leadership, the club has become one of Australia’s most diverse through initiatives like the Miracle League, Indigenous Round, and a focus on mental health. These efforts have earned the club national recognition, including recently being award the Good Sports Mental Health Excellence National Award. Lyndelle's dedication, time, and energy towards the club and its members are truly unwavering.
Michelle Roast - Junior Coordinator at Port Adelaide Rugby Union Football Club
Michelle, affectionately known as "Roasty," has been involved with the club for the past 4 years as Junior Coordinator, Committee Member, and Events Coordinator. She dedicates countless hours to training nights and match days and has been a key reason for the recent growth in the clubs Juniors program. Michelle is supportive of all the club players, families and volunteers and she is considered one of the ‘beating hearts’ of the club.
John Johnston - Volunteer at Port Adelaide Sailing Club
John has been a committed club member since 1981 and a Life Member since 1996, contributing over 40 years in key roles including Commodore, Rear and Vice Commodore, Bar Manager, and Sailability Coordinator. He played a crucial role in the club’s relocation and revitalised the Port Line Cup, growing it from 8 boats to 84 boats. John has passionately advanced sailing accessibility, leading Sailability SA as President from 2000 to 2020 and securing funding and facilities for people with disabilities. His leadership and dedication have been vital to the clubs growth and community impact.
Dillon McCormack - Volunteer at Port Adelaide Winter Baseball
Dillon has been involved with the club for the past 4 years and is a quiet but vital volunteer who consistently arrives early at their home ground to set up and run the BBQ. He is one of the silent achievers whose hard work ensures the club and match days run smoothly. His dedication behind the scenes often goes unnoticed but is greatly valued. Dillon’s reliable support is essential to the club’s success.
Pat Buchanan - Volunteer at Portland Football Club
Pat has been the oldest and longest-serving volunteer at the club, dedicating over 50 years of service in the canteen and kitchen since the 1970s. Despite her quiet nature, her dedication and efficiency inspire all who volunteer alongside her. She has built strong relationships with players and members, and is very well respected at the club. Pat’s hard work, commitment and contributions is truly admired by the club, and she sets a strong example for the younger volunteers at the club.
Ronald Nettleton - Volunteer at Portland Football Club
Ronald has been the Assistant Trainer, Assistant Team Manager, and Equipment Caretaker for over 50 years, with some roles held since he was 12 years old. Now in his 60s, he is always present and assisting whenever the club is open - whether for training, games, functions, or clean-up duties. Ronald willingly takes on extra tasks as requested by the Committee, often doing jobs others avoid. His dedication does not go unnoticed, and he literally holds the keys to the club.
John Browell - Junior President at Rosewater Junior Football Club
John has been involved with the club for the past 3 years. Over this time, he has served as Junior Coach, Junior Coordinator, and Junior President. John has been the lead person in coordinating the clubs Auskick program, junior teams and come and try sessions, and his commitment has greatly supported the club’s junior programs. He is very well respected and admired at the club, and they value the time and effort he puts in to drive the growth of junior football in their local area.
Sharon Bonney - Secretary of Semaphore Centrals Netball Club
Sharon has been a dedicated volunteer for over 20 years, with the last 15 spent serving as the club’s Secretary and, since 2019, coaching the C6 Disability Netball Team. Her roles have spanned everything from Child-Safe Officer to organising functions, managing uniforms, and leading countless fundraising efforts. Her tireless work behind the scenes has made her the backbone and lifeblood of the club’s community. Loved by players of all ages, Sharon’s support, wisdom, and encouragement have left a lasting impact on everyone involved with the club.
Barry Golding - Volunteer of Speedway Riders Association
Barry Golding has been a dedicated club volunteer for approximately 10 years, serving in key roles across events and administration. As Clerk of Course, he coordinates riders in the pits, assists the Chief Referee with decisions, and manages racing results and points. A committed coach, Barry supports junior development through training days and mentors riders of all levels. He also serves as club Vice President and state delegate and is always proactive in driving progress for the sport.
Julie Stott Rae - President of Speedway Riders Association
Julie has a real passion for motorsport and has been involved in the club for 20 years. As a Start Line Marshal, she ensures riders are ready and safe at the tapes, relays instructions between riders and officials, and assists during on-track incidents. Her trauma nursing background makes her an invaluable asset in emergencies, often stepping in to support injured riders.
Andy Summers - Volunteer of Target Rifle South Australia (TRSA)
Andy is a long-serving 20+ year volunteer with TRSA, known for his calm professionalism and commitment to safety. As Chief Range Officer, he oversees competitions from club shoots to national championships, while also leading TRSA’s “Come and Try” program to welcome newcomers. Beyond the range, Andy serves as Secretary of Wingfield Rifle Club, coaches juniors, and supports members with equipment expertise and hands-on help. Andy embodies the spirit of volunteerism and serves as a role model for others. On top of his formal roles, Andy’s generosity extends into small but meaningful acts of kindness, such as supplying members with fresh fruit and vegetables from his home garden. These thoughtful contributions add a personal and community-focused touch to everything he does.
Peter Eyers - Volunteer of Target Rifle South Australia (TRSA)
Peter has volunteered with TRSA for over 20 years, serving as both the licensed Firearms Dealer and stock manager of the Equipment Shop. He ensures legal compliance in all firearm transactions and manages the supply of gear, offering expert advice to members. Under Peter’s leadership, TRSA’s online shop was developed into a national resource, with proceeds supporting junior programs and range maintenance. Quietly dedicated and highly approachable, Peter plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in keeping the club running smoothly and sustainably, and his efforts make a real difference.
Ammy Martin - President of Tiny’s Gym & Boxing Club
Ammy has volunteered with the club for the past 3 years and stepped up as President for the last 2, dedicating countless hours to keeping the gym thriving. She has organised community markets, led outreach efforts, and taken on multiple committee roles to ensure the gym’s success. Ammy’s tireless commitment and innovative ideas have transformed the gym into a safe, welcoming space with record membership. Without her passion and leadership, the club simply wouldn’t be where it is today.
Rhiannon Pienaar - Treasurer of Tiny’s Gym & Boxing Club
Rhiannon has been involved with the gym for the past 2 years as Treasurer. She brings sharp financial skills and tireless dedication, helping guide the club toward greater financial stability and growth. In 2025, she expanded her role to include event and fundraiser planning, showing creativity, commitment, and initiative to further drive revenue. Despite not living close to the club, Rhiannon travels there purely out of passion and a desire to contribute, consistently going above and beyond. Her efforts don’t go unnoticed by the club, and she continues to inspire those around her with her work ethic and generosity.
James Carrabba - President of Adelaide Pumas Soccer Club
James has been involved for 5 years as a committee member, head coach and President of the club. Under James’ leadership, the club has grown to 4 senior teams and have now established 2 junior programs. He has established a culture that is welcoming to seniors, juniors and families, creating a strong foundation for the future.
John Charles - Secretary at Port District Football Club
John has been involved with the club for over 10 years as a long-serving committee member and current club Secretary. He dedicates over 20 volunteer hours weekly to club operations and has played a significant role in the clubs recent and impending facility upgrades. John's contribution and the outcomes he has achieved at the club will have a huge benefit for their current members, the wider community and many future generations.