2025 Kieser Volunteer Recognition of Service Award

KANGAROO Flat’s Julie Smith is the first recipient of the Kieser Bendigo Physiotherapy-sponsored Volunteer Recognition of Service in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL.

Highly regarded for her work with the Kangaroos across many seasons, Smith was presented with the award by Will Brohm at Sunday night’s Michelsen-Thompson medal counts for senior footy and A-grade netball.

Eaglehawk’s Paige Combridge and South Bendigo’s Laura Power were highly commended.

The award is a way to recognise the many outstanding volunteers across the league.

Whether it be team manager, timekeeper, trainer, runner, water carrier or helping in the canteen there are many off-field roles on game day.

Then there’s also training sessions, and for many there’s hours of committee meetings, recruiting meetings, or more.

For Julie Smith and so many others in club-land it’s the love of their club and the game that drives them on to assist in any way they can week after week, season after season.

“Kangaroo Flat is such an amazing club and terrific community,” Smith said.

“There are so many at our club that would equally deserve an award like this.”

Smith will be courtside this Saturday as Kangaroo Flat contests three netball grand finals at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

As grand final week tipped off with awards night at Bendigo Club, Smith and many in the Kangaroos camp will be aiming to celebrate a victory or two, or perhaps three on Saturday.