The volunteers, coaches, administrators and community leaders helping Australian Football thrive across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory have been celebrated today, with the AFL announcing the NSW/ACT winners of the 2026 Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year Awards.
The Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year awards recognise community club volunteers from across the country for their outstanding contribution to grassroots football.
In 2026, NSW/ACT clubs and communities recognised a record 455 volunteers through the nomination process of the Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year awards.
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 third consecutive year, thanks to the AFL’s Premier Partner Toyota Australia, two national winners will walk away with a brand-new Toyota.
All national winners receive a once-in-a-lifetime 2026 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 Young Leader of the Year
Stella Fraser, Ainslie Football Club – AFL Canberra
At just 18 years of age, Stella Fraser has demonstrated exceptional leadership, initiative and commitment to growing football opportunities for young girls in Canberra.
Stepping forward to coach Ainslie's junior summer football program despite having no previous coaching experience, Fraser played a vital role in ensuring the program could proceed during a shortage of volunteers. Her enthusiasm and dedication helped introduce many young participants to the game, with several progressing into the club's junior teams in 2026.
Building on that success, Fraser volunteered to coach Ainslie's U8s Girls team and became a driving force behind the club's efforts to increase participation. Through her work engaging schools, supporting come-and-try sessions, assisting with pre-season programs and promoting girls football across the community, Fraser helped ensure the club could field an U8 Girls team and establish a stronger pathway for future players.
NSW/ACT winner – Toyota AFL Community Volunteer of the Year
Sally Newton, Cardiff Hawks – AFL Hunter Central Coast
Sally Newton is considered the backbone of the Cardiff Hawks Football Club.
As Vice President, Newton's contribution extends well beyond the responsibilities of a volunteer committee member. From supporting coaches, managers and players throughout the week to being the first to arrive and last to leave on game days, she is a constant presence within the club community.
Newton's tireless commitment helps ensure football remains a positive, organised and enjoyable experience for hundreds of participants and families. Her impact also extends beyond the Hawks, having provided valuable support to neighbouring clubs facing challenges throughout the season.
Admired by players, coaches, volunteers and parents alike, Newton's selfless service has helped sustain and strengthen community football across the region.
NSW/ACT winner – Toyota AFL Community Club of the Year
Camden Cats Junior AFL Club – AFL Sydney Juniors
The Camden Cats Junior AFL Club has established itself as one of the leading grassroots sporting organisations in south-west Sydney.
Recognised for its welcoming and inclusive culture, the club is committed to ensuring every child has an opportunity to participate, regardless of background or financial circumstances. Through strong community partnerships, dedicated volunteer leadership and a focus on player development, the Camden Cats continue to deliver outstanding experiences for young footballers and their families.
The club's ability to host major events, develop volunteers and reinvest in facilities and equipment has helped create a thriving environment where participation, connection and community spirit are at the centre of everything it does.
NSW/ACT winner – NAB AFL Superkick Volunteer of the Year
Joseph La Posta, Southern Highlands – AFL South Coast
Joseph La Posta has played a pivotal role in the revival and growth of football in the Southern Highlands.
Working closely with club volunteers and stakeholders, La Posta helped establish a successful Superkick program and create a welcoming environment for new participants and their families. His efforts included leveraging community connections to deliver a season launch featuring AFLW players, AFL staff and local council representatives.
The enthusiasm generated by La Posta has helped the region re-establish football pathways and create opportunities for young players to transition into local competitions.
NSW/ACT winner – NAB AFL Auskick Volunteer of the Year
Jeremy Roberts, Cootamundra Auskick Centre – AFL Southern NSW
Jeremy Roberts has been an outstanding advocate for football in regional NSW, serving as coordinator of the Cootamundra Auskick Centre for the past four years.
In a community where rugby league is the dominant sport, Roberts has worked tirelessly to grow participation, successfully doubling participant numbers in the past year. Through strong engagement with local schools and ongoing promotion within the community, he has introduced more children and families to Australian Rules football.
His commitment to strengthening the centre and creating sustainable participation pathways continues to leave a lasting impact on football in the region.
NSW/ACT winner – AFL Schools Teacher of the Year
Kellie Reinhold, Bishop Druitt College – North Coast
For more than a decade, Kellie Reinhold has been a passionate supporter of AFL programs and competitions at Bishop Druitt College.
Her commitment has seen generations of students exposed to the game through school programs, pathway competitions and participation opportunities. In 2026, she supported the delivery of a successful after-school football program that attracted more than 50 primary school students and helped further strengthen football's presence within the school community.
Reinhold has also played an important role in fostering talent pathways, with Bishop Druitt College continuing to expand its football offering through the establishment of an AFL Academy and the achievement of former student Amaia Wain being drafted to the Western Bulldogs AFLW program.
NSW/ACT winner – AFL National Community Umpiring Service Award
Rick Clancy, Hume Football and Netball League
Rick Clancy has been a cornerstone of umpiring development within the Hume Football and Netball League for more than 15 years.
As the league's Club Umpire Coordinator for over a decade, Clancy has dedicated countless volunteer hours to supporting, mentoring and educating club umpires across the competition. He continues to actively contribute on field as a boundary umpire while coordinating appointments, finals selections and development opportunities throughout the season.
His passion, commitment and leadership have helped strengthen umpiring standards and support the ongoing growth of football across the region.
NSW/ACT winner – AFL National Community Football Photography Award
Danny Webster, Queanbeyan Tigers Football Club – AFL Canberra
For the past decade, Danny Webster has captured the stories, memories and milestones of the Queanbeyan Tigers Football Club through his photography.
Travelling a 180-kilometre round trip to support the club, Webster has generously volunteered thousands of hours documenting players, teams and club events. His photographs, presentations and photo books have become an important part of the club's history and identity.
Beyond his work behind the camera, Webster continues to contribute across numerous areas of the club, exemplifying the spirit of community volunteering.
NSW/ACT winner – AFL National Community Football Media Award
Camille Owen, Maroubra Saints – AFL Sydney
Camille Owen has transformed community engagement at the Maroubra Saints through her leadership of the club's communications and social media platforms.
For more than seven years, Owen has championed storytelling that celebrates players, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and club achievements while strengthening connections across the broader football community.
Her work promotes participation, supports key initiatives and helps bring the club's culture and values to life, creating meaningful engagement for members, families and supporters.
NSW/ACT winner – AFL Diversity Ambassador of the Year
Kaitlyn Waldie, Dubbo Demons – AFL Central West
As President of the Dubbo Demons, Kaitlyn Waldie has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion within community football.
Through the club's decision to offer free registrations in 2026, Waldie helped create greater opportunities for Indigenous boys and girls to participate in the game. She has played a leading role in ensuring participants have access to practical support, including transport, meals, a safe environment and assistance navigating development pathways.
Her work has helped create a more inclusive football community and ensure young people can participate and thrive regardless of circumstance.
NSW/ACT winner – AFL Disability Inclusion Ambassador of the Year
Lee Armstrong, Manly Wolves – AFL Sydney
Lee Armstrong has become a passionate advocate for disability inclusion football on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
What began as supporting his son's football journey has evolved into Armstrong leading the establishment and growth of the Manly Wolves Inclusion Team. As coach and mentor, he dedicates countless hours each week to creating opportunities for participants while promoting inclusive football throughout the region.
Through his engagement with local clubs, schools and community networks, Armstrong continues to ensure disability inclusion remains front of mind and accessible to more people than ever before.
NSW/ACT winner – AFL Community Coach of the Year (Woman)
Alicia Blackadder, Hornsby Berowra Eagles Junior AFL Club – AFL Sydney Juniors
Alicia Blackadder has made an exceptional contribution to the growth of girls football through her leadership, passion and unwavering commitment to inclusion.
As coach of the club's Under 9 Girls team, Blackadder has focused on creating an environment where young players can develop confidence, build friendships and foster a lifelong love of football. Her efforts have encouraged participants to transition from Superkick into club football while helping remove barriers to participation.
Beyond her own club, Blackadder has supported neighbouring clubs to establish and grow girls programs, while also playing a leading role in creating new opportunities through the introduction of Under 15 Girls and Women's Masters teams.
NSW/ACT winner – AFL Community Coach of the Year (Man)
Riley Corbett, Ganmain Grong Grong Matong Football Netball Club – Riverina Football Netball League
In his first season as senior coach, Riley Corbett has made an immediate and significant impact at Ganmain Grong Grong Matong.
Returning to his home club after playing football in South Australia, Corbett embraced the challenge of rebuilding following the departure of key personnel. His focus on developing local talent and creating opportunities for club juniors has helped position the club among the competition's leading teams.
Despite suffering a serious injury early in the season, Corbett adapted his coaching approach and continued to drive the development of the playing group, demonstrating resilience, leadership and a strong commitment to the future of the club.
Congratulations to all 2026 NSW/ACT Toyota AFL National Volunteer of the Year award winners and nominees.
Their dedication, passion and commitment continue to strengthen football communities across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, ensuring the game continues to grow both on and off the field.