ONE of Carrum’s most dedicated grassroots footy volunteers has been declared a Champion of the Code.
Carrum Labor MP Sonya Kilkenny nominated Katherine Gillespie-Jones for an award at a special reception at Government House to pay tribute to the hard-working volunteers who make local footy tick.
Katherine joined fellow Champions of the Code from all over Victoria to watch the 2016 AFL Grand Final Parade, before taking in the NAB AFL Under-18 All Stars Match at Punt Road Oval, and then lunched at one of the Grand Final live site pop-up restaurants.
The Western Bulldogs broke its 62-year premiership drought by downing the Sydney Swans on Grand Final day in a close tightly-fought game.
“We love our footy in Carrum, and it’s people like Katherine Gillespie-Jones who make the game the great experience it is,” Ms Kilkenny said.
“Week after week, Katherine is there putting in long hours to ensure players, coaches and spectators enjoy the magic that is football.”
“Come rain, hail or shine, grassroots volunteers are the unsung heroes working way to make a real difference for thousands of lovers of football.”
Volunteers like Katherine mightn’t do it for the recognition, but the Champions of the Code reception is the footy family’s way of saying thank you for the hours of dedication volunteers give every winter.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 19 October 2016