Bundaberg’s Steve Barlow has been named the Queensland State Volunteer of the Year.
The Bundaberg Juniors president has been a volunteer for junior AFL in the Wide Bay region for seven years.
A hard-working volunteer who contributes almost every afternoon and all weekend to the Bundaberg Football club, Steve ensures that the local competition continues to run as smoothly as possible and all games go ahead.
Steve arrives every Friday night at not only his home club but also the alternative venues and sets up for Auskick, followed by Under 9’s, Under 11’s and Under 13’s.
He encourages parents to participate at the commencement of each game by requesting parental help in goal umpiring and other roles.
The Wide Bay area has significant difficulties finding umpires and Steve has made a huge contribution in this area not only for his own club but also other clubs in the league.
Steve leads by example. To ensure he understands every facet of the game he has also joined as a player, and an umpire.
By holding regular meetings with parents at junior footy, Steve keeps them up-to-date with any changes or happenings in the league and also encourages parents to participate and become involved in Junior footy.
The humble volunteer said he was overwhelmed at receiving the award..
“I was absolutely speechless,” Mr Barlow said.
“You don’t do that stuff for awards. You do it for the kids.”
As part of his award, Mr Barlow and wife Tina were flown to Melbourne to attend the AFL grand final.
