NRL Touch Football Australia (NRL TFA) congratulates the following members who are the deserving recipients of the NRL TFA Volunteer Medal for December. 

Karen Tomba

Manager, Mum, Supervisor, Coordinator, Therapist, Negotiator and Role Model – these are just some of the professions carried out by an extremely loved individual and tireless volunteer, Karen Tomba (Kaz). Officially, Kaz carries the role of ‘Regional Referee Manager’ for the Hunter Western Hornets Touch Football Association. Her efforts as an unpaid volunteer never go unseen, especially when coordinating referees at some of the largest touch football events in NSW. Kaz manages a tournament of over 160 volunteer referees, providing guidance and direction to the many young and new referees.  Like many volunteers, Karen rarely gets the thanks she deserves which is why she has been nominated for this award by the Regional Director of Referees and the Regional Referee Coaching Panel. The entire Hornets Regional Touch referee community congratulates you on your nomination!

Aila Pera

Aila has been instrumental in setting up two affiliates this year. She has been on board with the Raptors from the day they became affiliated. No job has been too big, or too small for Aila – from writing out terms and conditions to creating marketing flyers. Aila has also taken on the role of Touch Coordinator at another affiliate to ensure their success, all the while studying and working. Aila works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that two separate communities are exposed to touch footy and playing this great game. Aila’s enthusiasm and attitude is a breath of fresh air and her skill set is invaluable to the Raptors. Aila’s passion and commitment to touch football is outstanding. She is not afraid to give anything a go!

Brad Mitchell

Brad has been president of the Hill Hornets Touch since 2010 where he has successfully grown the club’s participation from 7 teams to over 160 teams over 7 years. Brad began at the Hawkesbury Hawkes where he was president for 10 years before moving to the Hills Hornets region where he established one of the fastest growing touch football clubs in the country. He continues to be a positive example within the Touch Football community, by ensuring the club participates in events including Relay for Life and Clean Up Australia Day. Brad is a referee, coach, selector and elite level player who has received numerous awards over the years for his continued involvement and tremendous service to our sport.

Cherrie Pierce

Cherrie officially holds the title of club Treasurer for the Sharks Touch Club, however also fulfils the roles of Secretary, Referee Coordinator and Registrar. In addition, she is also a junior coach, senior player, referee and junior and senior delegate for Townsville Touch. Cherrie is well-known and widely respected by all in the Townsville touch community. She approaches all tasks with a “can-do” attitude and does whatever needs to be done behind the scenes to ensure others can enjoy our sport. Cherrie was also instrumental in the organisation of the historical junior tour to New Zealand and is an advocate for junior development in the region. Cherrie has been involved in touch football for just over 2 decades and continues to be a tremendous ambassador for our sport.

Peter Holm

Peter is a player at the Redlands Club and has provided valuable contributions as a Manager of the junior representative side and Redlands elite crusher team. He has a vision for touch football and has assisted in the development of many players and officials. Peter is an exceptional role model and ambassador for the touch football community. Peter is always willing to go above and beyond, being the first to put his hand up to help others.

Sharni Deamer

Sharni is a volunteer from the Bundaberg Touch Association. Sharni looks after the junior representative teams whilst also running the canteen. She has also recently taken on the responsibility of the senior representative teams as well. On top of this, Sharni is committed to junior touch football participation and frequently delivers flyers to local schools promoting our sport. Sharni is always available to contact for information and makes the experience very enjoyable for both parents and children. Sharni’s passion for the sport is evident in her willingness to help anyone who needs it, never asking for anything in return.

Kathy Lang

Kathy is a very active volunteer with the Mudgee Mudcrabs, Hunter Western Hornets, NSW Touch and Touch Football Australia. She is usually the first to arrive and turns the lights out when she leaves. Without Kathy, numerous sports would struggle to run. Kathy volunteers at all levels of touch football, from grassroots to elite. On top of this, Kathy is Secretary of Mugdee Dragons Rugby League Club, on the executive of Group 10, Western Rams, volunteers for Country Rugby League and is on the Mudgee Sports Council. Kathy embodies the Touch Football Australia values and is a well-respected member of the touch football community at all levels.

 

Congratulations to all our deserving volunteers!

The TFA Volunteer Medal is an initiative created to recognise those within our sport who provide ongoing support, and demonstrate a positive example as a member of their local Touch Football community.

Affiliates across the country can nominate deserving applicants through an online survey providing an opportunity to recognise the ongoing support that drives the sport and makes a significant difference to our participants experience.

To nominate your volunteer, click here.

To read the criteria and nomination process, click here.