Credit: City of Charles Sturt
Get ready to celebrate because the City of Charles Sturt Sports Awards is back for its fifth year this May during National Volunteer Week, celebrating the local legends that contribute to the City’s flourishing sports scene.
From the field to the coast, the Charles Sturt community is home to over 130,000 people and nearly 90 clubs, making sport a significant part of the local fabric.
Whether it be the sporting legends themselves, parents, organisers, or anyone involved, the Awards aim to recognise all members of the community who have put their hand up to help.
The parents preparing food for the weekly match, the set-up team for a big event, and those who cheer from the sidelines and encourage involvement, this one’s for you.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of community sport, and sporting clubs could not survive and thrive without the amazing work of their valued volunteers,” City of Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans shared.
“This event is about celebrating these people who are sometimes unseen and don’t seek the limelight. We love highlighting their achievements and the incredible contribution they’ve had to sport in our City.”
Among them is Tammy Clarke – who won the Westfield West Lakes Sports Volunteer of the Year Award at last year’s Sports Awards event – and is the secretary for Findon Skid Kids and an inspiring member of the Charles Sturt community.
Findon Skid Kids is a speedway where kids ride around the track with no brakes. Sounds adrenaline inducing, and certainly a youngen’s cup of tea.
Her involvement in the club is inter-generational, her dad starting it back in 1958.
“My dad started the Findon Skid Kids when he was 14, and he lived on the actual street of Reserve Parade,” says Tammy.
“[It’s] a sport that we’ve deliberately made affordable for all. There shouldn’t be a sport that people can’t do, and that’s what the Findon Skid Kids is very proud of. We enjoy having kids of all ages from all different walks of life, adults, moms, dads, grandads.”
For Tammy, the reward for volunteering comes from seeing people get involved and the purpose that follows.
“Volunteers are very much important in the community. They help sports like ours to stay alive and active and affordable for all, but it also gives you a sense of self worth.”
This feel-good event will be held during National Volunteer Week in the historic Woodville Town Hall and hosted by 7 News’ Mike Smithson. There will be food and drinks, interactive entertainment, and even the chance to win prizes!
The nominations run across 5 categories, including West Beach Parks Coach of Official of the Year, Westfield West Lakes Administrator of the Year, SA Sports Medicine Association (SASMA) Inclusion and Safety Champion Award, Adelaide 36ers Club/Association of the Year, and the brand new addition ‘Gr8r.me Young Sports Volunteer of the Year’ Award, specifically recognising the youth instrumental in the community.
There will also be a Westfield West Lakes Sports Volunteer of the Year announced at the very end of the event!
If there’s someone in the Charles Sturt community who you think is deserving of an award, now is your time to nominate. Nominations close on Wednesday April 23, so don’t hesitate.
“It’s just nice to say, I recognise what you’re doing, and I really appreciate what you’re doing, and you make a difference…. if you are thinking about nominating someone, do it. It’s worth it,” says Tammy.
WHAT: The City of Charles Sturt Sports Awards
WHEN: 22 May 2025
For more info, click here.
To nominate, click here.
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