Each year the AFL recognises volunteers/administrators for their outstanding contribution to Australian Football through the State Volunteer of the Year program.
Each state and territory selects a State Volunteer of the Year award winner who receives:
Congratulations to the following people who have been recognised as the 2015 State Volunteers of the Year
STATE | NOMINEES | CLUB / LEAGUE / DISTRICT | YEARS OF SERVICE |
New South Wales/ACT | Trevor Byrne | St Ives AFC | 10 |
Northern Territory | Alesha & Peter Shepard | Tracy Village | 10 |
Queensland | Rob Purves | Noosa Tigers | 5 |
South Australia | Jarrod Starkey | Whyalla Football League Junior Committee | 5 |
Tasmania | Bill Trethewie | Tasmania University FC, Old scholars FA | 36 |
Victoria | Christine Swinburne | St Johns Old Collegians FC (VAFA) | 7 |
Western Australia | Rod Atherton | Donnybrook FC / South West FL | 42 |

Alesha and Peter have provided over 10 years of service to the Tracy Village FC. Their service has included coaching junior teams, serving as committee members, advocating fair play through the junior football match guide and playing in the Senior Mens and Womens teams.

Rob has worked tirelessly for the Noosa Tigers FC over the past 5 years. His roles at the club have included time as Football Manager, Senior Assistant Coach, Junior Coaching Coordinator, Special Needs Coach and Auskick Coordinator. In 2015 he assisted Pomona AFC by lending players to the club and assisted administratively and financially to ensure their viability. In 2015 he also developed and coached a program to allow children & adults with intellectual disabilities to play.
Jarrod Starkey has been significant in the establishment of the Whyalla FL Junior Committee as Chairman over the past 5 years. Jarrods key achievements during that time include establishing a junior competition, introducing Auskick to the U8s structure at each club and mentoring all junior coaches to achieve accreditation.
Bill has committed his life to football in Tasmania. His volunteer roles have included:
Tasmania University FC President, Secretary, League Delegate and Senior Runner
Tasmania Amateur FL (Southern Division) Vice President
Old Scholars FA President, Vice President, AFL South Delegate
Sandy Bay JFC Coach, Runner, Director of Coaching
Chris has worked tirelessly for the St John's Old Collegians FC for the past 7 years. Her roles have included time as Canteen Coordinator, Equipment Manager, Reserves Team Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, Cleaner, Social Club Manager, Registrar and she prepares/serves the meals. She also coordinates an annual St Johns FC white ribbon day event promoting "ending violence against women" and coordinates the annual presentation night.
Rod has been served the Donnybrook FC (DFC) for nearly 50 years. He is currently the Sponsorship Director, Game Day Ground Manager and Bar Manager. Previously he has held roles of President, Player, Coach, Football Director, Social Director, SW Region AFCA Coach Coordinator, Tribunal Delegate, SWFL Club Delegate, WAFL Club Liaison Officer, Junior Team Manager, Region Development Squad Coach, Selector and Timekeeper.
Video - Rod Atherton (Donnybrook FC):