Paul Podbury has been recognised at the AFL Victoria Community Football Awards.
The Woodend-Hesket Football Netball Club co-president was awarded the Community Volunteer of the Year, for his work and dedication on and off the field.
Podbury said he was humbled by the recognition.
“You don’t tend to volunteer with the idea of getting recognised with such awards,” he said.
“It was really nice to be able to share it with my wife … and good to have the league guys (Riddell District Football Netball League) there.
“It was quite humbling, a lot of people do a lot of things at the football club, so I sort of got the award, but a lot of other people pitched in to make it all work, so that the club is a strong and good place to be.”
Podbury has been involved with the club for two decades. He started playing in 2002, before joining the committee around 2015. There, he’s served in a variety of roles for the club as president, treasurer and assistant coach, with this season coaching the under-17s.
Podbury said the reaction from the club has been great.
“It’s been good, lots of people have reached out to congratulate me, which has been nice,” he said.
The AFL Victoria Community Football Awards celebrate the end of the local footy season, and to recognise the tens of thousands of people across the state who dedicate their time and effort towards ensuring the success of their clubs and communities.
