Touch Football Australia (TFA) is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of a stalwart of our sport, Rod Wise. Our condolences and thoughts are with Rod’s wife Janelle and children Camille, Angela, Andrew and Laura at this most difficult time.
Rod had been dealing with ill health recently and is now comfortably resting in peace.
Rod was a giant of the sport. A dedicated volunteer, administrator and much-loved member of TFA staff, holding management positions in both the Australian Capital Territory and Queensland.
Prior to these positions Rod was the Southern Suns Regional / Riverina director, playing an instrumental role in the development of the sport in this region and the backbone of the Southern Suns NTL permit at the time.
Rod’s passion however was at community level and his beloved Yass Touch where he among others founded the hugely successful Yass Touch Knockout in 1989.
Rod’s hard work and dedication has been honoured with Life Memberships at Southern Suns, Yass Touch and NSW Touch Associations. Such was Rod’s contribution to the sport, in 2007 the NSW Touch Association named their Volunteer of the Year Award after him (the Rod Wise Medal) which carries the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a volunteer in the state.
TFA Chair, Erin Taylor reflected on Rod’s legacy “Rod was a true gentleman of the sport, a real character with a heart of gold. His infectious laugh and personality touched so many in our community, he will be sorely missed, I offer my thoughts to his wife Janelle and family at this most difficult time.”
Vale Rod Wise.
Wisey. A lifelong legacy.
1975 – 2008 Yass Touch Association Committee
1988 – 1997 Regional Director Riverina Touch Association
1998 – 2007 Regional Director Southern Suns Touch Association
2002 Life Membership NSW Touch Association
2007 NSWTA names Volunteer of the Year Award the “Rod Wise Medal”
2008 – 2010 General Manager, Queensland Touch Association
2010 – 2017 Business Development Manager, Touch Football ACT
