Bristol Paints Volunteer of the Month: Jodie Gair

Nominations for the Bristol Paint Volunteer of the Year award are still open. To nominate a volunteer to be featured as our Volunteer of the Month from your affiliate click here.

A club is only as good as it's people, and as the University of Queensland Touch Club’s (UQ) longest serving committee member, Jodie Gair ensures UQ is a great club.

A selfless supporter of the game who constantly puts others above herself, Jodie embodies values at every good volunteer’s core - Passion, Excellence and Family.

Although softly spoken, Jodie exudes an incomparable enthusiasm for Touch Football and for her community. Those that know her, her clubmates, all tell a similar story; that time and time again Jodie will go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that no player misses out on the opportunity to play or be involved in Touch Football.

Jodie has been volunteering as UQ treasurer for over 10 years and has filled numerous other roles during this time, committed to ensuring Touch Football continues to grow in Queensland. Delivering a positive experience is of the utmost importance to Jodie as she juggles full-time work, being a mother of two touch loving kids and her committee commitments.

As our Bristol Volunteer of the Month, we speak to Jodie about her journey and the incredible role she performs at UQ.

Congratulations Jodie, can you begin by telling us a little bit about your Touch Football journey?

Can I start off by saying I’m extremely proud to have been recognised in this manner, there’s a huge amount of work that goes into a Touch Football competition and there are many people who support me at the club to get things done.

I started playing Touch Football back in my early teenage years and played, as many do, with their parents to start off with. The young kid on the wing who loved to be involved. I was never really intimidated by the adults when I was a teen and knew a few of the parents on my team which helped, but I was always sporty and very competitive, so was happy to get stuck in.

I played on the Sunshine Coast and was involved in junior rugby league, playing touch in the off-season until touch took over and I loved playing too much to ever stop. I kept on playing at school and still play now.

What was it about Touch Footy that was so inviting and caught your attention?

I initially grew up playing other sports such as netball and basketball and Touch Footy was my social sport, with my parents then with friends… and over time I just grew to continue to love the sport.

When I moved cities, Touch Football was my constant and my way of re-connecting in new surroundings. I guess always being able to make more and more friends through the game was what kept me involved.

When I moved to Brisbane this is where I learnt the game more, the ins and outs of game strategy and really had my eyes opened to the creativity and intricacies the sport can throw at you.

You're currently treasurer, are there any other aspects at UQ you have explored?

I somewhat happened upon becoming treasurer, it was a vacant role at the club, so I started helping a little as I was playing. Overtime and as I continued to learn the role it felt right to take it on full-time and I’ve loved it and never looked back.

Both my daughters are heavily involved in the sport, so I was more than happy to help them out by helping the club.

In addition to the treasurer role, I’m also the junior coordinator for the boys and girl’s competitions and one night a week I’m the ground coordinator and still play myself.  So yes, heavily involved in all aspects of the sport. I also used to coach and although I am starting to get back into it, I'm conscious that I need to find the right balance so the kids can reap the full benefits.

You’re the longest serving committee member at UQ, how does that make you feel?

I have a lot of involvement at the club on a personal level, with my daughters playing as well as myself so it is easy to get caught up in the club and truthfully, it’s enjoyable. Without a doubt there are trying times and difficult moments, but overall, I have an appreciation for the people at the club and my role within the club.

Most of the time I can find the balance between work, home life and Touch Football!

What are your favourite Touch Footy memories?

That’s an easy one, winning State of Origin in 2018. I was part of the Queensland team who won the series and was voted Player of the Series. Great memories.

What do you believe has been the biggest improvement or advancement in the sport from your perspective?

For me it’s two-fold. Firstly, there’s almost no age restriction on when you can start playing Touch Football these days. Back when I started playing, I had to wait until my early teens, but now, there’s little ones running around at competitions everywhere. You can start from U7s and go until seniors. There’s no end to how vast the sport is when it comes to its age range.

Secondly, the game has become FAST. The reduction from 7 players down to 6 has aided that, but overall, the game is more explosive, quicker, and professional in the way players attend matches and events are run. Preparation is key.

That’s certainly true! What is next for Jodie Gair?

What’s next? Hmm, I guess for now I’ll just keep on doing what I’m doing. Last year I was the assistant coach at the DoorDash National Youth Championships for the Brisbane Cobras U12 girls' team so coaching is an interest. I do still very much enjoy playing though so while my body is still allowing me to play, I’ll keep on going!

I’m also excited by the BMTA Metro Cup junior development team I’m working with at the club and looking forward to assisting these kids.

Finally, if you were to win the Bristol Paint Volunteer of the Year award and $15,000 worth of prizes towards a home or club renovation – what project comes to mind?

I would love to donate this prize to someone in need in our local area. UQ doesn’t own clubrooms so wouldn’t be applicable and personally we have just finished some home renovations. Being able to give this prize as a donation to someone in need from our community would be tremendous.

As our Bristol Volunteer of the Month, Jodie is now eligible for the Bristol Paint TFA Volunteer of the Year (VOY) Award. The TFA VOY will receive paint and labour to the value of $15,000 for the refurbishment project of their choice, thanks to our friends at Bristol Paint.

DON’T FORGET – All Touch Footy participants are entitled to 15-20% OFF Bristol Paint products. Download your exclusive discount card on our website, click here, scroll to the bottom and download your card.