RIO TINTO WA FOOTBALL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

The Volunteer of the Year award is a significant initiative undertaken by the West Australian Football Commission (WAFC), sponsored by Rio Tinto and supported by the Sunday Times, to recognise the invaluable contribution of volunteers to the development and success of the sport.

The ten categories for the 2023 awards are:

WA Football Volunteer | recognises an individual who has given their time and effort to support the football community. This could include helping to organise events, fundraising, or other volunteer activities. 

WAFL Club Volunteer | recognises the outstanding work of a volunteer within the WAFL club environment.

NAB AFL Auskick Volunteer | recognises an individual who has gone above and beyond to support the Auskick program.  

Senior Coach | recognises a senior coach who has shown exceptional leadership, commitment, and dedication to their team and the sport of football. 

Junior Coach | recognises a junior coach who has shown exceptional leadership, commitment, and dedication to their team and the sport of football. 

Community Umpiring Service | recognises an umpire who has consistently demonstrated fair play, sportsmanship, and professionalism while officiating games. 

Disability & Inclusion Ambassador | recognises the outstanding work of a volunteer in promoting the inclusion of People with Disability in football.

Diversity Ambassador | recognises the outstanding work of a volunteer that has been able to promote inclusion for Indigenous and/or Multicultural Communities in Australian Rules football. 

AFL School Ambassador | recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution to their school community through football. 

Young Community Volunteer | recognises an individual aged 15 - 25 years who has made an outstanding voluntary commitment over the past year and positively impacted the lives of others. 

The Rio Tinto WA Football Volunteer of the Year is one of the most highly valued awards in the football industry, an initiative that has been adopted nationally. Volunteers are the lifeblood of football in this state.

Society benefits from their contribution, bringing us together as a community along with assisting businesses and organisations.

Last year, there were over 1,200 nominations state-wide.

For the 2023 season, all applications are now closed. 

The awards ceremony will be held later in the year, where the winners will be announced at the Sandover Medal and recognised for their contribution to WA football.