Amidst the dazzling performances of Australia’s star athletes exists a resilient and often unsung backbone that keeps the sport thriving.
Today, Athletics Australia is proud to unveil the finalists for the Chemist Warehouse Community Hero Award; a program that recognises the extraordinary individuals who form the bedrock of the sport.
Now it in its third year, the Chemist Warehouse Community Hero Awards celebrates the contributions of the people behind the scenes of Australian athletics and the exceptional individuals who go above and beyond to uplift and inspire participants across the country.
This year, submissions were received from each State and Territory, with the finalists selected based on their impact on their local community.
From all corners of the nation, meet the Chemist Warehouse Community Hero finalists.
David Low (NSW)
A throws coach at Harradine Performance Western Division in the regional town of Dubbo, David has been known to be a kind and caring coach that brings out the best in his athletes.
The 55-year-old coaches athletes of all abilities, including individuals with autism, ADHD and Down Syndrome, and his manner and ability to buoy up his athletes inspiring so many. Young athletes from all over the Western Plains as far as Cobar and Lithgow have been known to seek out David’s guidance, and he has coached a number of athletes through to the Australian Athletics Championships.
Terry Price (WA)
Hailing from Southern River, WA, Terry is an athlete with a disability that has represented Western Australia several times at the Australian Athletics Championships and this year won five state titles.
He has long been involved in delivering athletics programs in remote communities and to marginalised groups through inclusion programs so that others can be touched by the physical and social benefits that athletics has to offer. Terry also conducts athletics programs to Indigenous communities and at the Banksia Hill Detention Centre through the Carey Right Track Foundation and the Stephen Michael Foundation.
Robert Jamieson (QLD)
Robert Jamieson is an exceptional Community Hero, dedicating his time and skills in athletics to make a profound impact. His involvement with the Achilles Group in Queensland showcases his unwavering commitment to inclusivity as he guides and motivates para athletes to achieve their goals.
His selflessness has been known to shine through as he volunteers for course marking. At endurance races, he manages checkpoints, providing essential aid and encouragement to participants. Robert’s efforts exemplify the true spirit of volunteering and make him an invaluable asset to the Queensland running community.
Rosemary Coleman (Tas)
Known to those around her as Rosie, the proud Tasmanian has dedicated the past 30 years to athletics at all levels in administration, officiating and coaching. Whether it is a local race or an international event, Rosie’s enthusiasm for athletics is contagious.
Her real commitment to the sport comes from her involvement within the para athletics community in Tasmania. Summed up by one of her frame runners, she is the “wind beneath my feet. When I race, it makes me feel like I can walk.”
Phil Mayer (Vic)
Phil has gone above and beyond for the Traralgon Harriers Athletics Club and through his dedication to athletics, has become a true leader for his local athletics community.
His enthusiasm and support is most felt with the club’s Community Fun Run and Memorial Run, rallying for donation for Rotary Centenary House and Lifeline. He has also helped financial support many runners to participate and travel in cross country events, and that support is for all, whether the fastest or last finisher at events. Phil notices all who help, constantly thanking and appreciating those that pitch in within the community.
Jeff Franklin (Vic)
Jeff Franklin from the Ivanhoe Harriers Athletic Club has done it all. Over 30 years of club service, he has lifted the community in his roles as President, Head Coach, Team Manager and as Club Delegate to Athletics Victoria. He has also acted on the Local Community Sports Committee, as Registrar and has managed monthly newsletters, uniforms and club communications.
Jeff was crucial to saving the club from near extinction in 2014 and reunited many past members at the 100-year celebrations. Since then, membership has increased annually and the health of the club from an administration and inclusion perspective is the strongest it’s ever been.
Atnas Maeko (NT)
Remote as they come on Groote Eyelandt, Atnas Maeko has dedicated countless hours to running athletics programs in schools to over 200 primary and secondary students through the Bush Fit Mov club.
Atnas’ work has seen school attendance increase in Groote, and for the first time, the Island has four athletes successfully compete at the IMF Running and Walking Championships in Mackay, Queensland.
Athletics Australia CEO Peter Bromley said he was thrilled with the calibre of nominations for this year’s award.
“We received an overwhelming amount of nominations for the Chemist Warehouse Community Hero Award this year, with so many stories about individuals who selflessly dedicate their time, energy and passion to make a positive difference in our sport,” Bromley said.
“It became very hard to choose these finalists but we believe those who have been cherry-picked today are exceptional and play a real role in inspiring members of our community across the country.”
Finalists announced today will receive a $500 gift card courtesy of Chemist Warehouse, with the individual crowned the 2023 Chemist Warehouse Community Hero, to receive a prize valued at $1,000. The winner will be announced on Monday, 26 June.
For more information about the annual awards click here.
By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 20/6/2023