Geelong Refinery Club Legend winners announced

We’re proud to announce the winners of our Club Legend award, celebrating the heroes and role models in our sporting community.

As part of our commitment to the Geelong community, we awarded more than $50,000 in prize money to winners and finalists at our Club Legend Awards Dinner last night at Simonds Stadium. 

“Congratulations to all the winners, finalists and nominees who have all been recognised for their remarkable contribution to their clubs and to the community,” said Thys Heyns, Viva Energy General Manager Refining.

 

Why we host the awards 

We host the Club Legend Awards Dinner to celebrate sporting club legends who have devoted their time to growing their clubs and supporting and mentoring members in the Greater Geelong region. 

We were delighted with the level of interest in this year’s awards, after we received almost 150 nominations for inspiring role models right across our community. This year’s winners, finalists and nominees are dedicated to their clubs and we’re proud to highlight and honour their work. 

Club Legend Award Winner 

Roger Allen – Treasurer, North Geelong Cricket Club 

Roger was awarded $5,000, with an additional $5,000 for the North Geelong Cricket Club. Roger has been an integral part of the North Geelong Cricket Club for more than 50 years, in various roles as a player, coach, captain, mentor, fundraiser, president and treasurer, groundsman and club advocate. 

"Winning the Viva Energy Australia Club Legend award is very humbling experience and an amazing reward for my fifty five plus years serving the North Geelong Cricket Club. I would like to thank Viva Energy for initiating this award and congratulate all the volunteers who were nominated. Where would our communities be without volunteers?", said Roger, honoured to be presented with the award.  

Known by some as Mr North, Roger has devoted his time to mentoring and supporting kids from the northern suburbs, enabling them to play cricket and helping develop their life skills. He makes sure no one misses out due to financial strains and can often be found preparing wickets, fixing fences, cleaning out sheds, meeting with the local council, working the bar, promoting the club or welcoming new players and their families. 

Club Legend Award Runner-up 

Claire Barnes – Executive Committee, Newtown City Hockey Club 

Claire was awarded $2,000, with an additional $2,000 for the Newtown City Hockey Club. The club is now the largest regional hockey club in Victoria thanks to Claire’s contribution. She is responsible for establishing strong ties to local schools and is devoted to recruitment and the development of junior participants. 

People’s Choice Award 

Josip Zilic – Junior Coach and Operations Manager, North Geelong Warriors FC 

Josip was awarded $2,000, with an additional $2,000 for the North Geelong Warriors FC. Under his leadership, the club’s junior numbers grew to more than 300 players. He has also worked to integrate migrant communities within the club. 

Finalists 

Finalists were each awarded $1,000 for themselves and another $1,000 for their clubs. 

Len Alford – Clubman, Newtown and Chilwell Football Netball Club 

Susan Bissett – Senior Saturday and Mid-week Competition Secretary, Tennis Geelong Inc. 

Kevin Bowers – Club President, Surfside Waves Soccer Club, Ocean Grove 

Carmel Brown – Membership Officer and Life Member, Geelong Canoe Club 

Mandi Cole – Head Coach, Geelong Guild Athletic Club 

Jill Delahunty – Chair, Special Olympics Barwon 

Craig Durston – Volunteer, Guild All-stars Baseball Club 

Vic Fuller – Football Operations Volunteer, Geelong Cats 

Fiona Gray – Treasurer, Dolphins Basketball Club 

Rebecca Henriksen – Coach/Player, St Albans Football and Netball Club 

Sadat-Jon Hussain – Junior Coach, Geelong Swimming Club 

Mary McDonald – President, Chilwell Athletics Seniors/Little Athletics 

Bill Polwarth – Property Steward, Geelong West Giants 

John Reaney – Secretary/Organiser/Goalie, Geelong Gaels 

David Renton – Life Member, Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club 

Lyn Toll – Kitchen Operator, Geelong Rangers 

Tamika Wood – Committee/Player Coach, Bell Post Hill Football and Netball Club