Fraser named top volunteer in NSW
Riverina sports trainer Zane Fraser was recognised for his outstanding contribution to community sport when he was named NSW Volunteer of the Year at the Sport NSW 2014 Community Sports Volunteer Awards at NSW Parliament House, Sydney.
AFL NSW/ACT would like to congratulate Mr Fraser for this remarkable achievement, and thank him on behalf of the football community for his tireless work to ensure that the Australian Rules football community is played in a safe and high quality environment.
Mr Fraser has been involved as a sports trainer at his local football club (Ganmain Grong Grong Matong) for 18 years and is also the founder and president of the Riverina Sports Trainers Association. He is recognized as one of the leading Sports Trainers in not only Southern NSW but the entire state and was responsible for the formation of the Riverina Sports Trainers Association – responsible for injury prevention and treatment of participants in two senior Australian Football competitions and two junior competitions in addition to the associated netball competitions, a combined total of more than 35 clubs, 100 football clubs and 118 netball teams.
His key achievements include recruiting approximately 80 members to the association and accrediting those members to both Level 1 and 2 Sports Trainers status, as well as maintaining the accreditation levels of all current and new members. Constantly looking to demonstrate industry best practice, he regularly updates existing and implements new policies to ensure participants are receiving the highest level of care.
Mr Fraser has demonstrated dedication and commitment to this vital part of the sporting community in the Riverina, and is continually striving to improve his knowledge and professional experience – investing his time (up to 30 hours per week) and financial resources to the cause.
This award is well-deserved recognition of Zane Fraser’s considerable personal investment and dedication to community sport, and his integral contribution to the community at large.
There were three others from the region nominated for awards for outstanding contributions to community sport:
Lachlan Head – nominated in the Young Official of the Year Category
A former Central Coast Junior, debuting in the Black Diamond Premier Division, Lachlan is part of the 2013 NSW/ACT Regional Umpire Squad. In this role Lachlan has officiated at numerous events across NSW such as the NSW Combined High Schools Carnival at Broken Hill. Most recently Lachlan was named as All-Australian Umpire at the School Sport Australian Football Carnival in Darwin.
Max Enders – nominated in the Young Coach of the Year Category
Max is the Coaching Coordinator for the Niagara Park Dockers, Aus Kick and U9’s, Swans Academy, Central Coast Academy and the Central Coast U12’s Coach. He is also a Graduate of Youth Inspired, a scholarship program that aims to encourage and educate young people to become involved as volunteers of not-for-profit, incorporated sport and recreation organisations with a focus on club administration and management.
Jamie Robertson – nominated in the Coach of the Year Category
Despite being forced into retirement due to injury in 2002, Jamie has shown her commitment and passion for women’s AFL by becoming a Level 1 Coach. Founder of the Newtown Breakaways, Jamie has coached the Breakaways to 5 Premierships between 2002 and 2009 in the Women’s Division 1 League, the highest level of women’s AFL in NSW. Jamie also provides mentoring, free training and assistance to girls who need her help.
Photo: Zane Fraser and the NSW Minister for Sport, the honourable Stuart Ayres MP.
