Gold Coast Suns ruckman Zac Smith was last night awarded the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award established by the AFL and The Reach Foundation in honour of the former Melbourne Football Club President and champion player.
This annual award commemorates Jim Stynes’ tireless service and leadership across the community and is bestowed annually to the AFL player who demonstrates the values of Jim Stynes in his commitment to helping others.
Zac Smith was presented the award by Sam Ludbey at the 2013 Brownlow Medal Ceremony.
AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Demetriou said Zac is an extraordinary leader in the community and a deserving winner of the award.
“Zac joined the Gold Coast Suns as a foundation player five years ago and in this time, through his relentless work within the community and sacrifice of his spare time, Zac has made a significant difference.
“As the Suns’ Domestic Violence Awareness ambassador, Zac has been a leader of the Gold Coast Suns Horizons program, which focuses on ending domestic violence and youth homelessness.
“Zac is also a passionate White Ribbon ambassador and has gone above and beyond to identify how he and his teammates can support the cause and deliver key messages. This season he encouraged the Suns playing group to train in white jumpers to raise awareness of the issue of domestic violence on White Ribbon Day.
“We would also like to commend Zac for the work he does in the wider community, including supporting the One Punch Can Kill anti-violence program, indigenous communities through the No Boundaries partnership program and families in need through the White Christmas Charity Event.”
“I would like to congratulate finalists for the Award Will Minson and Nick Maxwell on their outstanding efforts in the community which have been highly commended by the selection panel.”
Zac will receive $20,000 from the AFL to be donated to the charity or community program of his choice.
CEO of The Reach Foundation Sarah Davies said Zac demonstrated a genuine desire to ensure his work in the community had a positive and lasting impact.
“It’s fantastic to see players like Zac, who many young people look up to, contributing in such a positive way to our community.”
