The 2023/2024 NSW Touch Awards Night was a dazzling evening of recognition, celebration, and gratitude as the touch football community came together to honor its standout members. From volunteers and administrators to players and referees, the night was a tribute to the dedication and passion that drives the sport forward.
One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the prestigious Rod Wise Medal, awarded to Nick Altin from Griffith Touch Association for his outstanding volunteer efforts. Nick’s tireless work over the years, particularly in supporting his affiliate with administrative tasks and finances, along with his deep involvement in referee education, made him a truly deserving recipient.
The Aileen May Medal was awarded to Marc Lawrence from Wagga Wagga Touch Association, acknowledging his significant contribution to the game and his unwavering support of grassroots football.
Affiliate of the Year Awards
In the highly anticipated Affiliate of the Year category, the following associations were recognized for their exceptional achievements within their regions:
- Northern Eagles: Gunnedah TA
- Hunter Western Hornets: Maitland TA
- Sydney Scorpions: Manly Warringah TA
- Sydney Mets: Balmain TA/Lower Blue Mountains TA
- Southern Rebels: Taren Point TA
- West South West Suns: Wagga Wagga TA
Additionally, Manly Warringah TA claimed the Tier 1 Affiliate of the Year, while Western Suburbs TA took home Tier 2, and Sapphire Coast TA was crowned Tier 3 Affiliate of the Year.
Administrator of the Year
Top administrators from each region were celebrated for their behind-the-scenes work that keeps the sport running smoothly. The overall Administrator of the Year was awarded to Hayden Ryan-Hill from Maitland TA. Regional administrators were also honored:
- Northern Eagles: Will Dowe (Gunnedah TA)
- Hunter Western Hornets: Hayden Ryan-Hill (Maitland TA)
- Sydney Scorpions: Carol Jones (Hornsby TA)
- Sydney Mets: Pam Hetherington (Parramatta TA)
- Southern Rebels: Mette Kitiona (Bankstown TA)
- West South West Suns: Cath Salmon (Wagga Wagga TA)
Lynda Scott from Macksville TA was also recognised as the Affiliate Referee Director of the Year for her leadership in officiating.
Other Major Awards
- Youth Volunteer of the Year: Molly Thomson (Bankstown TA)
- Social Media Account of the Year: UNSW Touch Association
- Distinguished Long Service Awards: Brad Mitchell (Hills TA), Rosemary Risso (Griffith TA), Jane Wilson (Appin TA), Dom Squadrito (Eastern Suburbs TA), and Sharyn Glachan (Doyalson TA)
Players, Coaches and Teams of the Year
- Dylan Hennessey Medal – Male Player of the Year: Chris Lennon (Central Coast TA)
- Louise Winchester Medal – Female Player of the Year: Hannah Dyball (Manly Warringah TA)
- Junior Male Player of the Year: Tylan Berryman (Northern Beaches TA)
- Junior Female Player of the Year: Anika McCarthy (Newcastle City TA)
- Senior Female Player of the Year: Tara Boland (Northern Beaches TA)
- Senior Male Player of the Year: Wayne Gleeson (Port Macquarie TA)
- Tony Trad Medal – Coach of the Year: Christian Browne (Manly Warringah TA)
- Junior Coach of the Year: Joel Caine (Taren Point TA)
- Senior Coach of the Year: Leanne Polglase (Maitland TA)
- Team of the Year: Manly Warringah Women’s Open
- Junior Team of the Year: Sydney Mets Men’s 20s
- Senior Team of the Year: Maitland Women’s 40s
- Selector of the Year: Geoff Thornton
NSW Touch Blues Awards
- Mel Quinn (Balmain)
- Richard Stone (Balmain)
- Jake Lill (Bankstown)
- Brie Lambkin (Bankstown)
- Daniel Gatt (Berkeley Vale)
- Gary Webb (Berkeley Vale)
- Bec Faddy (Camden Haven)
- Mel Harrison (Carlingford)
- Katie Francis (Coolamon)
- Emma Bleasdale (Eastern Suburbs)
- Emma Hayes (Eastern Suburbs)
- Mark Heiss (Eastern Suburbs)
- Brendon Giason (Griffith)
- Sophie Williams (Hills)
- Daniel McKenzie (Leeton)
- Simon Lyne (Lower Blue Mountains)
- Tom Taylor (Maitland)
- Beth Monk (Maitland)
- Kerrie Doyle (Manly Warringah)
- Emma Brady (Northern Suburbs)
- Keaton Dal Santo (Northern Suburbs)
- Col Field (Parramatta)
- Jenny Rogerson (Penrith)
- Craig Gradwell (Singleton)
- Yasmin Halliwell (Southern Rebels)
- Belinda Thomson (Southern Rebels)
- Sharon Armstrong (SWS Raptors)
- Michelle Clarke (Taree)
- Marc Lawrence (Wagga Wagga)
- Stuart Heine (Wagga Wagga)
- Spiro Tourni (Western Suburbs)
- Matt Bowcock (Western Suburbs)
- Joel Willoughby (Wollongong)
- Graeme Corby (Wollongong)
Life Member Inductees
Les Bouveng #29
Erene Devall #30
Chris Dolahenty #31
Hall of Fame Inductees
Jamie Black #27
Bo De La Cruz #28
Dennis Dwyer #29
Jody English (Collins) #30
Shane Frederiksen #31
Neville Hockey #32
Kristy Judd #33
Jimmy Marinos #34
Annette Mounsey #35
Paul Sfeir #36
Garry Simmons #37
Garry Sonda #38
Christine Sterling* #39
Bob White #40
Dean Wilbow #41
Louise Winchester #42
Joanne Wong (Henwood) #43
