New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory’s most dedicated volunteers have been recognised today as the AFL announces the NSW/ACT winners of the 2025 Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year awards.
The Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year awards recognise volunteers and administrators from across the country for their outstanding contribution to grassroots Aussie Rules.
In 2025, NSW/ACT clubs and communities recognised a record 290 volunteers through the nomination process of the Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year awards, leading to an almost 90% increase in nominations from 2024.
State and territories award local winners in all 13 award categories with those recipients then considered for the national title. Categories span across umpiring, coaching, disability and inclusion, cultural diversity, media, schools, and grassroots participation programs including NAB AFL Auskick and for the first time, NAB AFL Superkick.
For the second consecutive year, thanks to the AFL’s Premier Partner Toyota Australia, two national winners will walk away with a brand-new Toyota Corolla Hatch SX Hybrid (Toyota AFL Community Volunteer of the Year) or a Toyota Yaris Cross GX 2WD Hybrid (Toyota AFL Young Leader of the Year).
All national winners receive a once-in-a-lifetime 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final experience where they’ll be able to soak up the incredible atmosphere of the last Saturday in September and participate in the Toyota Grand Final Parade.
NSW/ACT winner – Toyota AFL Community Volunteer of the Year
Kylie Scott, Bermagui Breakers Australian Football Club – AFL South Coast
As club treasurer of the Bermagui Breakers Australian Football Club for more than a decade, Kylie Scott is considered the heart and soul of the club.
Often the first to arrive and last to leave on both training and game days, Scott is described as the glue that holds the club together – from serving as team manager for various age groups, to mowing the lawn after dark, pressure washing the clubhouse, uploading stats into PlayHQ, washing jerseys, cleaning toilets, managing merchandise, or negotiating the weekly draw with other clubs.
Scott’s commitment was acknowledged when she was named NSW South Coast Volunteer of the Year in 2022, and her tireless service, unwavering passion, and the immeasurable impact she has on the club and local community has continued since then.
NSW/ACT winner – Toyota AFL Young Leader of the Year
Cooper Harmer, Turvey Park Football and Netball Club – AFL Riverina
At just 23, Cooper Harmer has shown exceptional leadership, commitment, and passion for community football through his voluntary service at the Turvey Park Football and Netball Club.
Over the past four years, Harmer has been instrumental in the inception and coaching of the club's AFLW team, serving as both runner and coach, and passionately supporting the development of female players in their first years of AFL.
Harmer is also described as a key driver of the club's social culture, and contributes tirelessly behind the scenes, volunteering in the canteen, on the gate, setting up and packing down the bar, and completing any job that needs doing.
His service began early, winning the Harry Cunningham Award at age 15 for junior volunteering, followed by the 2018 Seniors Ladies Auxiliary Award for his loyalty, spirit, and selfless club support.
Even when injured, Harmer umpired lower grades and assisted wherever needed. Balancing his volunteer work with an impressive playing career of over 112 senior and 67 junior games, Harmer is a true ambassador for the game. His focus on inclusivity, participation growth, and positive club culture continues to inspire and strengthen his football community.
NSW/ACT winner – Toyota AFL Community Club of the Year
Cronulla Sharks Junior AFL Club – AFL Sydney Juniors
In 2025, Cronulla Sharks Junior AFL Club has grown into one of the strongest and most inclusive junior clubs in Sydney, now proudly supporting 543 members across Auskick and juniors.
This represents a growth of nearly 20% YOY, attributed to the club’s strategic vision – The Sharks Way – which is a club wide commitment to connection, belonging, and development through football.
Led by the committee, and in particular the Club President Mark, the club built out a five year plan that focused on four key competencies: Being Courageous, Being Accountable, Being Respectful and Being Selfless.
These behaviours were selected to ensure the club culture is nurtured, junior Sharks teams are provided the best chance of achieving on-field success, and the club continues to make a positive impact in the community.
The Sharks were also successful in attaining several grant opportunities, which led to a large lighting upgrade at its home ground. This lighting upgrade has improved the overall training experience for parents and kids, allowed for a safer environment and allowed night games to be played to factor in competing sports in the Sutherland Shire region, which is a key contributor to the growth and retention figures of the club.
NSW/ACT winner – NAB AFL Auskick Volunteer of the Year
Amanda Bottcher, Griffith Swans Auskick Centre – AFL Southern NSW
Amanda Bottcher is considered a driving force of AFL in the Riverina.
Having grown the Griffith Swans Auskick Centre from 106 to 183 participants – including a girls only group of 30 females – Bottcher deployed key initiatives that has allowed the club to thrive, including Bring your Grandparents night, gala days with other regions and more.
NSW/ACT winner – NAB AFL Superkick Volunteer of the Year
Nikki Lee, Glen Innes Celts AFL – North West NSW AFL
Nikki Lee is described as an outstanding volunteer who has played a pivotal role in the successful introduction of the AFL Superkick program at Glen Innes – a small regional club in a geographically challenging area.
Recognising the barriers that distance and travel pose to traditional AFL pathways, Lee saw an opportunity to offer something new, inclusive and sustainable for her local community. Through her initiative, over 20 participants are now actively engaged in Superkick, an incredible achievement for small, regional town.
Lee’s leadership, passion and tireless commitment ensures the program not only runs smoothly, but also provides a fun, welcoming and development-focused environment for all involved. As a local primary school teacher, Lee extends her impact beyond the oval, building strong connections with families and introducing the game to new participants through both school and club pathways. She has become a local AFL champion, inspiring others in her region and setting a benchmark for what's possible in small communities. Lee’s work is helping to grow the game in meaningful and lasting ways. Her efforts exemplify what grassroots sport is all about, making her a highly deserving nominee for recognition.
NSW/ACT winner – AFL Community Coach of the Year (WOMAN)
Allie Phillips, Wollongong Bulldogs – AFL South Coast
Allie Phillips’ is considered a passionate advocate for women in sports, especially AFL.
Phillips is described as exemplifying composure in coaching, strength, confidence and joy in her role as Women's Premier Division Head Coach. In 2024 and 2025, Phillips was invited to coach the AFL South Coast Women's Representative team and saw victories in each of the respective representative seasons against AFL Hunter Central Coast. She strives to ensure all players feel welcome, comfortable and a part of the team and community through her passionate and approachable nature.
NSW/ACT winner – AFL Community Coach of the Year (MAN)
Adrian Hickey, Dubbo Demons Football Club – AFL Central West
With exceptional dedication to the club, Adrian Hickey has had a significant impact across all levels of the Dubbo Demons.
His recruiting efforts and welcoming demeanour have led to unprecedented player numbers in the men's squad, strengthening the club's depth and future.
Hickey goes above and beyond to collaborate with fellow coaches, ensuring all senior and top-age junior players can warm-up in a united, welcoming environment. His deep understanding of his players and consistent support keeps them coming back, week after week, while he works closely with the committee, aligning his efforts with the broader goals of the club.
NSW/ACT winner – AFL Schools, Teacher of the Year
Danielle Wahapango, Macquarie Fields Public School
Danielle Wahapango has been described as an incredible ambassador for AFL and a passionate advocate for getting kids active and engaged in new sports.
Her dedication was evident when she ran training sessions for all students participating in the Paul Kelly Cup – many of whom had never played AFL before – and when she extended her support to students involved in the PSSA as well.
After the Paul Kelly Cup, Wahapango saw the potential and enthusiasm in the students and decided to further their opportunities by running an AFL program. Her commitment didn't stop there – several students from Macquarie Fields Public School were selected to join the Future Stars program held on Monday nights in Blacktown. Knowing how nervous the students were about the experience, Wahapango attended the sessions to support them, and stayed for the entire program to ensure they felt comfortable and confident. One of the students has now been selected for the GWS GIANTS Development Squad and Wahapango continues to support his journey, regularly checking in and cheering on his progress.
Wahapango’s ongoing dedication to both the sport and the personal development of her students sets an inspiring example for others. Her efforts reflect the true spirit of community sport-creating opportunities, building confidence, and nurturing future talent.
NSW/ACT winner – AFL National Community Football Media Award
Belinda Di Bartolo, Penshurst Panthers – AFL Sydney Juniors
Belinda Di Bartolo is recognised for having transformed the Penshurst Panthers Junior AFL Club’s social media presence.
The club’s social media pages are now considered a vibrant, informative, and engaging hub for the community. Di Bartolo implemented a weekly content schedule that ensured consistent, relevant, and engaging posts to all members and followes of the club. This included round schedules, post match results, match day highlights, player and volunteer spotlights, important club announcements, sponsor promotions, community initiatives, and real-time event coverage.
Di Bartolo is known to track social media metrics and uses the insights to continually refine and improve the content shared across the club channels.
NSW/ACT winner – AFL National Community Football Photography Award
Leigh Gazzard – AFL Sydney
Leigh Gazzard can be regarded as the eyes of AFL Sydney.
A brilliant Photographer with a keen eye, Gazzard freely gives his time across the whole of Sydney, capturing the league's most crucial moments to share and grow Australia’s game in the Harbour City.
From nail biting clashes in Women's Division 3 to the pinnacle of AFL Sydney in the Men's and Women's Premier Division Grand Finals, Gazzard does it all – all the while sharing his galleries for free online.
On top of capturing games each week, he also volunteers his time capturing club team photos that are used to market and record playing groups from years gone by.
NSW/ACT winner – AFL Diversity Ambassador of the Year
Martin Keevers, Parramatta Lions – AFL Sydney Juniors
Martin Keevers has played a pivotal role in making the Parramatta Lions a more diverse and inclusive club since his time as leader.
His efforts have seen the implementation of several community focused measures at the club. These include tailored food options on offer to serve the diverse groups within the community (i.e. Vegan, Halal, etc.), added Prayer rooms in the clubhouse, embracing Aboriginal communities through artwork and acknowledging CALD communities through initiatives that pay respect to their cultures.
NSW/ACT winner – AFL Disability Inclusion Ambassador of the Year
James Risbey, Gungahlin Jets Junior AFL Club – AFL Canberra
With the new Gungahlin Jets Kickability Centre, James Risbey is giving neurodivergent children in the ACT the opportunity to play Aussie Rules without the stresses that may come with mainstream AFL competitions.
In 2025, Risbey worked with the AFL’s Disability Inclusion Lead for NSW/ACT to initiate the Kickability program – a 4-week AFL program for neurodivergent children aged 9 to 13 years in the ACT. With advice from the league, Risbey developed a program that provides participants with the AFL skills needed to play a mini-match in a safe environment, and for other children the opportunity to participate in a group activity.
Risbey adapted his coaching methods to this demographic, providing story boards for sessions, limiting sensory distresses and providing tackle bags for time out.
Following the success of the program, Risbey will run a second program in July 2025 as he continues to grow participation in the program through social media and the Gungahlin Jets community.
Risbey also coaches neurodivergent children in Auskick and Under 9s, and is encouraging of all children and adapts his teaching methods in order to respond appropriately to each child's learning styles, and provides additional tuition to children with special needs where needed.
NSW/ACT winner – AFL National Community Umpiring Service Award
Montana Harvey – AFL North Coast
Montana Harvey has made a significant impact on umpiring in the North Coast region through her dedication, initiative, and leadership.
As a participant of the UMPowered program, Harvey plays a central role in the development and education of younger officials. She also serves as the region's Female Liaison Officer – actively supporting the growth and retention of women and girls in umpiring.
Harvey has been instrumental in recruitment efforts, helping to grow female participation to over a quarter of the umpiring group. To improve access to training, particularly for umpires based in the southern part of the region, Harvey established a Port Macquarie training, ensuring inclusivity and opportunity regardless of location.
In addition to in-person coaching, she runs in conjunction with the other coach online sessions, providing support, feedback, and development opportunities for umpires of all levels. Her passion for umpiring and dedication to its advancement make her a key driver of progress in the North Coast.