Rugby league's One Community Awards

13 November 2009

Gold Coast Titans fullback Preston Campbell tonight shared the stage with some of Rugby League’s grass-roots champions when he was presented with the Telstra Ken Stephen Medal at the second annual One Community Awards at Sydney’s Luna Park.

Campbell was honoured for his tireless work with Indigenous communities as he received the NRL’s highest accolade for outstanding service to the game both on and off the field.

Significantly, Campbell received his award on a night in which Rugby League celebrated the achievements of its off-field heroes – the mums and dads, volunteers, referees, development officers and club officials who dedicate their lives to helping others enjoy the game of Rugby League.

“Preston’s work has made a significant difference to Indigenous communities and to the Rugby League community as a whole,” said NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop.

“He is a wonderful ambassador for our game, as are all the volunteers and officials that we are honouring here tonight.

“Their contribution to the game should never be underestimated and these awards will continue to ensure they know how much we value their efforts for years to come.”

Almost 300 guests attended a memorable night for Rugby League that featured Jan Boys of North Stradbroke Island RLFC being honoured for her 30 years of service to the game with the Toyota National Volunteer of the Year award.


The treasurer of the Straddie Sharks has been the heart and soul of Rugby League on the island, with her work in helping transport the team on and off the island a key to the club’s survival.

Annie Banks won the Harvey Norman Women in League Volunteer award for her selfless dedication to the promotion of women’s Rugby League.

An ex-Australian representative player, Banks has worked tirelessly to help women have the same opportunities as men in Rugby League – even selling half of her business so she could devote more time to volunteer work for the Australian Women’s Rugby League and to assist in the administration of the women’s Rugby League World Cup.

Australian Rugby League Development National Schools Manager Debbie Brewin was honoured with the Harvey Norman Women in League Achievement Award (Paid) in recognition of her role co-ordinating ground-breaking development programs for more than a decade, while Colin White from the Western Suburbs District RL Referees Association was recognised for almost 30 years of service to refereeing, including work in recruitment, training and referee retention.

On the club front, the Warriors received the Telstra One Community NRL Club of the Year award.

The New Zealand club created the Warriors One Community program two years ago and now have one of the most successful community programs in the NRL, highlighted by their Warriors Against Bullying initiative that is being rolled out in schools across Auckland.

The Biloela Panthers RFC was named the Telstra One Community Grass-roots Club of the Year.

The Queensland club is heavily involved with their community and donate part of their weekly gate takings to a local retirement home, as well as helping other drought-affected teams from other sports use their facilities.

The Coogee Dolphins received the AAMI Service to the Community Award for their efforts in raising more than $1 million that has been donated to a variety of charity programs.

The One Community Awards winners and finalists are:

The Telstra Ken Stephen Medal
Telstra will give $5000 to the winner and $5000 to their favourite charity.
Winner: Preston Campbell (Titans).

Other finalists: Carl Webb (Cowboys); Jarrad Hickey (Bulldogs); Josh Miller (Raiders); Ben Ross (Sharks); Chris Walker (Titans); Mark Bryant (Sea Eagles); Brett White (Storm); Cory Paterson (Knights); Steve Michaels (Broncos); Krisnan Inu (Eels); Geoff Daniela (Panthers); Kirk Reynoldson (Dragons); Jamie Simpson (Rabbitohs); Lopini Paea (Roosters); Micheal Luck (Warriors); John Morris (Wests Tigers).

Telstra One Community NRL Club of the Year
Telstra will provide $10,000 toward the winning club’s community program and/or staff development training for community relations staff.
Winners: Warriors.
Other finalists: Titans; Panthers; Eels.

Telstra One Community Grassroots Club of the Year
Telstra will provide two Telstra Assistance Packs valued at $3000 plus $2000.

Winners: Biloela Panthers.
Other finalists: Hay Magpies RL; De La Salle Caringbah; Willoughby Roos; Narrabri and District JRLC.

AAMI Service to the Community Award
AAMI will provide $5000 for their community program.
Winners: Coogee Dolphins.
Other finalists: Danny Byrnes (Hay Magpies); Dean Gillard (Kick4Kids Foundation).

AAMI Service to Refereeing Award
AAMI will give $2500 to the winning referee.
Winner: Colin White (Western Suburbs District RL Referees Association).
Other finalists: Wayne Scot (Gold Coast Referees); Rod Bowd (Group 21 RL Referee's Association).

Harvey Norman Women In League Achievement Award – Paid
Harvey Norman will provide a $5000 Harvey Norman gift voucher.
Winner: Debbie Brewin (ARLD).
Other finalists: Yvette Downey (NSWRL); Pat Bailey (Cairns District Rugby League); Jodie Cross (Titans).

Harvey Norman Women In League Achievement Award – Volunteer
Harvey Norman will provide a $5000 Harvey Norman gift voucher.
Winner: Annie Banks (AWRL).
Other finalists: Desley Oates (Cities RLFC); Janiece Fowler-Eruera (Group 16).

Toyota National Volunteer of the Year
Toyota will provide $5000 to the winner and $5000 to their club.
Winner: Jan Boys (North Stradbroke Island RLFC).
Other finalists: David and Cheryl Smith (NSW); Janiece Fowler-Eruera (Group 16); Bob Beveage (QLD); Majella Morris (QLD); Dave Penna (QLD); Paul McMillan (QLD); Fred Beedle (Campbelltown Warriors JRLFC); Wayne Potts (NSW); Mark Dowel (NSW); Barry Tozer (Group 19); Mark Harrison (Group 18); Tony Goldman (Group 21); Neil Millgate (Group 11).