Glenorchy Gazette November 2020 23
FUNDING BOOST HELPS CLUB ROLL ON
STJFL kicks goals in 2020 THE Southern Tasmanian Junior Football League (STJFL) recently held its Awards and Presentation Night for the 2020 season, celebrating the achievements by some of the south’s junior footballers. The STJFL had 20 clubs and more than 3,700 registered players in season 2020. With the support of the Tasmanian Government, the Health Department and AFL Tasmania, a 10week roster was held with a three-week finals series. “The Awards Night recognises the Best and Fairest players in each age group in youth competition with the prestigious Robert Beakley Medal,” STJFL president Jim Horne said. “This medal is named after the late Robert Beakley, a long time and dedicated supporter of junior football and cricket in the northern suburbs. “The night also recognises the STJFL Coach of the Year, STJFL Club Umpire of the Year, STJFL Sports Trainer of the Year and
STJFL Volunteers of the Year.” Mr Horne said there were 12 Beakley Medal winners on the night. “The Claremont Junior Football Club was the big winner on the night taking out four Beakley Awards,” he said. “Three out of the four awards to this club were taken out by girls in the under 13A1, under 13A2 and under 15 categories. “The remaining medal went to a boy from the under 13 division.” Mr Horne congratulated all winners on the night. “Two STJFL life memberships were also presented on the night to Shelley Willmot from the Claremont Junior Football Club and also to Colin Duggan from the Southern Storm Football Club,” Mr Horne said. “Both are long term volunteers across a variety of roles in junior football.” Local Liberal Member for Clark and STJFL patron Elise Archer said it was a pleasure to be able to present awards and
medals to the worthy recipients. “The Awards Night is an important annual event to acknowledge and recognise the commitment of players, volunteers, coaches, trainers and umpires, and the close battle for the Robert Beakley Best and Fairest Medal counts was an exciting way to finish the season,” she said. “This year’s season has been a challenging one, dealing with the impact of COVID-19, and I commend all clubs, players, volunteers, coaches, trainers, umpires, families and supporters for managing the difficulties and finishing the season on a high. “The Tasmanian Government is extremely proud of the STJFL, all clubs and indeed all Tasmanians’ efforts in understanding the challenges caused by COVID-19 and doing everything they can to keep themselves and their fellow Tasmanians safe. “I congratulate all nominees, medallists and award winners.”
From left, Member for Elwick Josh Willie and Glenorchy Rodman Bowls Club secretary Michael Kirkwood.
THE Glenorchy Rodman Bowls Club has made significant changes to its clubrooms and outside areas after receiving a grant from the Tasmanian Community Fund. The renovations and refurbishments, including construction of outdoor awnings, new shade cloths and indoor furniture, has allowed the club to expand its services to suit the needs of members and the local community. “Our bowlers and competition remain at the heart of the club, yet to remain viable, particularly in these times, it was important for us
to consider the greater community and how we could better our club for their needs,” Glenorchy Rodman Bowls Club secretary Michael Kirkwood said. “Our facilities, including a commercial kitchen and recently refurbished club room, are an ideal place for community meetings or private celebrations.” It is the club’s intention to continue with upgrading club facilities, including paving of the entrance to the building and establishment of sun protection awnings. The club also received a grant from the Premier’s Discretionary
Fund for a computerised register. “The register has brought us into the 21st century and will make our administration so much easier and more efficient,” club president Phillip Richardson said. Member for Elwick Josh Willie said the Glenorchy Rodman Bowls Club was important for Glenorchy. “I know of smaller organisations in our community who are facing the real possibility of closure, purely due to the lack of suitable space,” he said. “The grant has allowed for a transformation of the club, making
it more functional and accessible to everyone, which is great for our community.” Contributing to the long-term viability of the club, it is anticipated that the refreshed and refurbished club facilities will attract younger members to an increasingly popular sport. The club is open all year round and available for afterhours private engagements including weddings and corporate events when restrictions allow. With the commencement of the bowling season this month, the club will be a hub of activity.
Local Liberal Member for Clark and STJFL Patron Elise Archer presenting awards at the 2020 STJFL Awards and Presentation Night.
