Vics take out top honours in 2024 Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year Awards
The winners of the 2024 Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year Awards have been announced, with two remarkable Victorians taking home the keys to brand new Toyotas in recognition of their incredible contributions to the game.
Kellee Frazer, President of the Gordon Football Netball Club, which competes in Victoria's Central Highlands Football Netball League, has taken out the top individual honour of Toyota AFL Community Volunteer of the Year for her outstanding service to her club and community for the past 20 years.
Kellee takes home the keys to a brand new Toyota Corolla Hatch SX Hybrid valued at more than $40,000.
For the first time, Toyota has given away a second vehicle to a deserving category winner and in 2024, Toyota Young Leader of the Year recipient Olivia Ashcroft from Victoria's Ringwood Football Netball Club has also scored a brand new Corolla Hatch SX Hybrid.
Toyota AFL Community Volunteer of the Year, Kellee Frazer, who was informed of the award by AFL champion Jobe Watson in front of a large gathering at the Gordon FNC on Thursday evening, said: "I am incredibly overwhelmed and honoured to accept this award.
"I love being involved in a fantastic community club in Gordon. There are so many people that assist me and help with my role. A huge thanks to the AFL for this award and also to Toyota as well for supporting grassroots footy in the way they do."
The annual awards, this year comprising 13 categories, recognise volunteers across Australia who have made outstanding contributions to community football. All NAB AFL Auskick centres, schools, community clubs and leagues in each state and territory were invited to participate, with more than 3,400 nominations received nationally.
AFL Executive General Manager Game Development, Rob Auld, said: "Australian Rules Football is a major part of so many towns and communities across Australia, only made possibly through the incredible commitment and service of all volunteers.
"There are more than 220,000 volunteers in Australia who play vitally important roles for their clubs and the Toyota National Volunteer of the Year awards highlight some of the most significant individuals and clubs.
"Congratulations to all national and state category winners and thank you to Toyota for being long-serving supporters of the game at all levels."
Toyota Australia Chief Marketing Officer, Vin Naidoo, said he was thrilled to see another record-breaking year for the Toyota AFL National Volunteer Award nominations and emphasised Toyota's dedication to supporting football at every level.
"Toyota's commitment to supporting football spans across all levels, from grassroots to elite, ensuring community sport is accessible to, and enjoyable for all.
"We take great pride in supporting volunteers who dedicate so much of their time to the sport and to the wider community to ensure a positive and welcoming culture exists.
The volunteers are passionate about giving back to their communities and we’re proud to be celebrating again this year, by presenting the Toyota AFL Community Volunteer Award.
"Congratulations to Kellee Frazer, President of the Gordon Football Netball Club and to all the Toyota AFL Volunteers Awards finalists on such an incredible achievement."
In 2024, in addition to the overall national winner as part of 13 national category awards, there are 91 state / territory winners this year. Each national winner will be invited to Melbourne in September for a 2024 AFL Grand Final experience.
Previous winners and more information can be found here.
2024 Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year Awards - Winners
Toyota AFL Community Volunteer of the Year
Kellee Frazer - President, Gordon FNC (VIC)
Toyota AFL Young Leader of the Year
Olivia Ashcroft - Committee Member, Ringwood FNC (VIC)
Toyota Community Club of the Year
Wynyard Football Club (TAS)
NAB AFL Auskick Volunteer of the Year
Cristelle Mulvogue - Auskick Coordinator, Collingwood Park AFC (QLD)
AFL Diversity Ambassador of the Year
Jessica Albers - Follow the Dream Coordinator, Hedland Senior High School (WA)
AFL Disability Inclusion Ambassador of the Year
Michael Dobbie-Bridges - Advisory Strategy Group Disability Inclusion & QLD State Team Head Coach, QLD Wheelchair Football League (QLD)
AFL National Community Umpiring Service Award
Theresa Shortt - Female Liaison Officer & Umpiring Experience, AFL Sydney Umpiring Group (NSW)
AFL Community Coach of the Year (Women)
Fiona Young - Senior Women's & U/16's Coach; Auskick Coordinator / Glenelg FC SE Academy Coach, North Gambier Football Club (SA)
AFL Community Coach of the Year (Men)
Cameron Duffy - Coach SFLW Women’s Team, Claremont Football Club and Claremont Junior Football Club (TAS)
AFL School of the Year
Shire Christian School (NSW)
AFL School Teacher of the Year
Adam Curran - PE Teacher, Stirling East Primary School (SA)
AFL National Community Football Media Award
Amy Sheehan - Communications Officer, Coolum Beach Breakers Junior Australian Football Club (QLD)
AFL National Community Football Photography Award
Bradley Moylon - Photographer, Bridgenorth Football Club (TAS)
