Moorebank Sports Club is proud to announce the inaugural winners of the Heart of the Community Awards for Cricket, Netball, Soccer and Football, recognising the people who give the most to the clubs that bring our community together.
The Sporties Heart of the Community Award was created by Moorebank Sports Club earlier this year to recognise an outstanding individual within each affiliated sporting code who exemplifies the mission, vision and values of Moorebank Sports Club through meaningful contribution to their local community. This award celebrates those who go beyond the field, demonstrating leadership, inclusivity, volunteerism, and a genuine commitment to strengthening community connections. These are the people who rarely ask for recognition. The Heart of the Community Awards were created to change that.
Our inaugural winners of the Heart of the Community are:
Moorebank Cricket Club
The first Heart of the Community Award was presented earlier this year to Robyn Wadling of Moorebank Cricket Club.
Robyn has made an outstanding and lasting contribution to Moorebank Cricket Club through decades of dedicated service. Since her son joined the club in the 1999/2000 season, she has generously given her time across a wide range of volunteer roles, including Team Manager, Mini and Junior Co-ordinator, Junior Secretary, Delegate to FLCA, Assistant Records Officer, Secretary and, since 2012, Records Officer. Even after moving away from the local area, she continues to support the club by collating and maintaining accurate weekly team data. Her loyalty, reliability and willingness to serve make her a truly deserving winner of the Heart of the Community Award.
Moorebank Netball Club
Moorebank Netball Club has named Ann Richards as their Heart of the Community winner.
For 45 years, Ann Richards has been the heart and soul of Moorebank Netball, giving countless hours to support players, volunteers and families. Through her leadership, mentorship and tireless volunteering, generations of young people have grown in netball skills, confidence and teamwork, in a welcoming club where people of all ages can connect and thrive. Her selfless service has left a lasting legacy across the local sporting community, making her a truly deserving inaugural winner of the Heart of the Community Award.
Moorebank Soccer Club
The inaugural Heart of the Community award winner for Moorebank Soccer Club is Paul Banna.
Paul Banna saw a shortage of referees for mini games and, rather than just noticing the problem, created a solution: a referee development program that trains young Moorebank players as game leaders. The program has built confidence, leadership and communication skills in those players, given them a role model’s place in the club, and taken the refereeing load off coaches and managers. Paul has since built a strong relationship with Southern Districts, creating a pathway for young referees to progress into the Development League and beyond, and he has done it all while no longer having children playing at the club. His care for young people and the community makes him a deserving inaugural winner of the Heart of the Community Award.
Moorebank Rams Football Club
Moorebank Rams Football Club is proud to recognise Tina Sheils as its inaugural Heart of the Community winner.
Affectionately known to everyone as “Aunty,” Tina has been part of the Moorebank Rams community since 1999. Although she no longer has children playing for the club, her dedication has never wavered. She volunteers every year and is there every weekend, often one of the first to arrive, delivering the bread rolls and helping set up for the day. Whether she is working as a ground official, in the canteen or at the BBQ, or giving the players a pep talk before they take the field, Aunty is always there with a helping hand and a kind word, making her a truly deserving inaugural winner of the Heart of the Community Award.
Moorebank Baseball Club
The Heart of the Community Award for Moorebank Baseball Club will be presented at the end of the current season.
We extend our sincere congratulations to every recipient of these awards. Volunteers like these are the reason local sport is strong, welcoming and part of the fabric of our community, and it is a privilege to stand alongside them.
The Heart of the Community Awards will return each season, giving our sporting clubs a regular opportunity to nominate and celebrate the people who make a difference.
