What do you like most about Werribee?
Werribee has been a great suburb to grow up in. When I was younger it was a lot quieter and far less populated, but with the growth in the suburb in the past 10 years, I have seen Werribee offer so many more opportunities for young ones to get involved in all sorts of activities.
How did you feel to receive the Lalor Hero award?
It was an honour to be recognised for doing something I genuinely enjoy doing.
How did you become involved with Werribee Little Athletics?
My involvement at Werribee Little Athletics started way back in 2001 as an Under-6 athlete. Having competed for 10 years and wrapping up my athletic career in Under-15’s, I immediately got involved helping out week-to-week in various roles at the (Werribee Little Athletics) centre.
Volunteering offers many opportunities to stay actively involved. It’s really about the people, the athletes, other volunteers and a sense of fulfilment in not only getting a job done, but being a part of something which allows so many young athletes to participate. Without the volunteers and hardworking committees, unfortunately so many community sports would not exist.
Whilst I have a pivotal role in running the On Track Program for the youngest athletes, my involvement at Werribee sees me active with a raft of activities, including set up, pack up, driving the resident track vehicle, running timing gates, acting as a team manager on occasions, chief official at events and anything else which presents itself as an opportunity or requirement to get a job done.
Is anyone else in your family also involved with Werribee Little Athletics?
Both my parents hold life memberships of Werribee Little Athletics Centre, having contributed on so many levels for almost 20 years. My dad has held a number of administrative roles at Werribee – including centre president at Western Metropolitan Region, and then on the Little Athletics Victoria State Board, eventually being appointed to the role of state president in 2013.
This position he held for four years, stepping down from the board mid-2017. Both mum and dad continue to hold key volunteer roles at region and state events and occasionally come along and help out at Werribee with special events.
Are you involved in any other local clubs or activities?
I have been involved with the local Apex Service Clubs in Werribee and Hoppers Crossing. Dad commenced with Apex in the mid 1990s, so my whole family has grown up and enjoyed not only volunteering opportunities, but more so the social aspects of being involved in a community not-for-profit organisation. I regularly get involved in a number of service and social activities organised by our local club.
