The AFL Sunshine Coast Junior Clubs were well represented at the Sunshine Coast Australia Day Awards this year.

The awards have been announced for another year and although the AFL volunteers were not among the winners, they were worthy nominees.

These prestigious awards are designed and awarded to pay tribute to those who make extraordinary contributions to society or who are outstanding achievers in the community.

Kawana Park Eagles President Paul Meehan was nominated for his outstanding achievements in the sport and recreation industry through his enormous contributions to the growth and development of the infrastructure and club management of Kawana Park.

“It was a great honour to be recognised at the Australia Day awards celebration,” Mr Meehan said.

“Particular thanks to those that took the time to nominate me and congratulations must go to all other nominees.

“There are many great contributors to our community especially in the sport and recreation area and it is great to see so many people getting involved to keep our kids active.”

Sunshine Coast Club Development Officer, Paul Tresise said that Mr Meehan has changed the way sporting organisations liaise with Education Queensland for the better.

“The relationship between Kawana Park Eagles and Kawana Waters State College is unique in school grounds being used and developed by a sporting club to required competition levels, Paul (Meehan) and his team are striving to do this with full size goal posts, full ground lighting and now change room facilities adorning the sports field at the school,” Mr Tresise said.

“Paul has been the Kawana President since 2005, and fills a multitude of other roles in order to see the clubs juniors participate to a high level each week.”

Coolum Breakers President Glenn Farrow was also nominated for his enormous contributions to the sport and recreation industry through community involvement and innovative marketing strategies further enhancing community engagement and active healthy lifestyles.

“It is a privilege to be nominated for this award not just on an individual level but for the Coolum Breakers Australian Football Club,” Mr Farrow said.

“The Breakers are a great club and to be recognised at a community level is something that I am really proud of, especially amongst a large spread of other worthy nominees.”

Paul Tresise also acknowledged the magnitude of the contributions that Mr Farrow has made to the Sunshine Coast community.

“Glenn constantly strives for club identity within the community and through clever marketing and evolution the Coolum Breakers receive media exposure, sponsorship arrangements and community awareness attributing to the growth in participation numbers,” Mr Tresise said.

“The Coolum Breakers will only benefit from his involvement over the coming years and it will be great to witness the footy club working together with Coolum State High School and the surrounding communities.”

Glasshouse Hinterland Lions AFL Auskick Coordinator and Under Eight’s Coach, Tim Bagshaw also received a nomination in the community category.

Tim is heavily involved in the local community through APEX and contributes to the development and engagement of the community.

Congratulations to Paul, Glenn and Tim for their nominations as reflected by their contributions to the Sunshine Coast Community and the AFL on the Sunshine Coast