Andrew came to Corroboree Little Athletics in 2006, when his oldest daughter, Skye, started as an U6 athlete. Right from the start, Andrew became an active and passionate volunteer for the Club, taking on the role of Age group coordinator for the U6 girls. The following season, he joined the Committee, and was a member of Corroboree’s executive for nine years: as Treasurer (2007–2009), Vice President (2009–2010) and President (2010–2016). While he handed over the reins two years ago, he continues to be active as a general Committee member, sharing his knowledge and advice, and helping at Corroboree meets in many ways.

Andrew strived to improve all aspects of the Club and its operations. As Treasurer, he turned the Club’s finances around, taking the Club from a non-compliant entity to one with cash flow that could afford to purchase new equipment.

Andrew is an accredited coach and has lent his skills to many athletes during meets and at bi-weekly training sessions.

Under Andrew’s leadership the Club has flourished, both in terms of athlete numbers and in its stature. Andrew has always been focused on the ‘Family and Fun’ aspects of Little Athletics, and has fostered a club culture, whereby giving it a go, focusing on PBs and supporting others is more important than competitiveness and results. Over the years, he worked to improve and optimise the programs of the Saturday morning meets, of which we still see the benefits with meets that generally run smoothly and finish on time.

During his time in the Committee’s executive (9 years) Andrew hardly ever missed a meet. After stepping down from the leadership role, he continued to attend most meets, meaning that by now he would have been at about 150 Club meets! All of these times, he arrived early (8 am) for set-up and stayed late for pack-up. For many years he has been the straight-track starter, but in recent years he has ventured out to support the senior’s groups and help wherever required.

Since his youngest daughter, Bonnie, started participating in para events, Andrew has become more interested and focused on inclusion, and has been supporting the para events at ACT Championships. Andrew was awarded the John Hunt Award together with Bonnie in 2016.

So, for the last 12 years, Andrew has been a committed and dedicated Club member; always first to roll up his sleeves and get the job done. Andrew’s passion for junior sport, whether it be athletics or hockey, is testament to his commitment to his family, and community. You would be hard pressed to calculate the hours he has devoted.

Finally, not unimportantly, Andrew is known to bring chocolate to Committee meetings, much to the delight of others.

For all this and more, the Committee agreed that Andrew will be awarded Life Membership of Corroboree Little Athletics.