NEWS

Wests Group Macarthur was thrilled to celebrate the invaluable contributions of community sporting volunteers at the 2025 Wests Sports Volunteer of the Year Awards held on Saturday 24^th May as part of National Volunteer Week. The event brought together a group over 380 members from our Wests Sports Council network, including representatives local sporting clubs and associations in the Macarthur sporting community.

 

 

Wests Group Macarthur, as a long-time supporter and sponsor of sport in the region, proudly hosts the awards night to recognise and celebrate the enormous contribution of time and effort that sporting volunteers give their codes within Macarthur – with the overall volunteer sector in Australia said to represent around $4 billion dollars of labour input nationally. The Awards Night, held at Wests League Club, coincides with National Volunteer Week – Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering, and is a completely free of charge celebration for our local sporting community.

 

 

The awards program welcomed long service submissions as well as an overall Youth (under 21yrs) and Adult (21+yrs) of the Year nominations and was open to 30 member clubs and associations of the Wests Sports Council, who deliver local sport to Macarthur via a network representing upwards of 35,000 athletes, administrators, and volunteers.

 

 

Alan Buxton, Chairman of Wests Group Macarthur said “It’s been such an honour once again to recognise the amazing contributions of more than 145 incredible volunteers – following the largest amount of service nominations received. With one in four people in this community, including those connected to your participants being members of our group, we deeply value the role we play in their lives and we are committed to keep the light shining on the amazing work of our local volunteers.”

 

 

Daniel Perkiss, Chief Executive Officer at Wests Group Macarthur adds “Saturday’s event was all about recognising the wonderful individuals that our sporting clubs and associations can call on to enable athletes – young and old – to participate in sport at all levels. Recognising volunteers through this platform is just one of our investments towards the strength and sustainability of our sporting community.”

 

 

From February to April 2025 Wests Group received nominations from local clubs including netball, hockey, referees, cricket, local associations for Rugby League and Football and more.

 

 

Each service nominee received a service pin, certificate, and gift from Wests with the total list of recipients cumulatively representing around 1715 years of service to community sport in the region. The Youth and Adult of the year category winners take home a Cash Prize, additional gift from Wests and $500 Hamper to enjoy.

 

 

Wests extended complimentary invitations for the celebration to up to ten representatives of each of the Wests Sports Council members made up of presidents, committee members, and volunteer nominations in an evening hosted by former Australian Olympian, Sarah Ryan. Guests were treated to beverages and a premium menu prepared by Wests Chefs of Prawns, Oysters and Scampi, and a main course of Chicken or Beef Fillet, as well as dessert.

 

 

The night was well attended with dignitaries Campbelltown Mayor Darcy Lound, and NSWRL CEO David Trodden. A highlight of the night was a fantastic panel discussion featuring two amazing mentors, NRLW Wests Tigers Coach Brett ‘Noddy’ Kimmorley and NRL Wests Tigers Assistant Coach Brett Hodgson. To round out the night, the audience was treated to an awe-inspiring performance by the world-renowned speed painter, Brad Blaze.

 

 

WINNER Youth Volunteer of the Year – Kiara Dewhurst, Macarthur BMX

 

 

A proud member of Macarthur BMX since 2018, Kiara began her journey as an enthusiastic rider and has since evolved into an accredited coach and dedicated volunteer.

 

 

Her volunteer efforts began in 2021, lending a hand in the canteen with food prep and service. Kiara quickly became a reliable presence at club events—supporting Come & Try Days, selling raffle tickets, assisting with clean-up duties, and helping pack down after race nights.

 

 

Twelve months ago, Kiara took the next step by becoming a junior coach. Since completing her BMX Coaching Accreditation and first aid certification, she has led training for Mini Wheelers (ages 2–5), all while continuing her own training and competitive racing.

 

 

Even after a recent illness temporarily kept her off the bike, Kiara’s dedication never wavered. She remained a weekly volunteer at Thursday night gate sessions, assisted with race sign-ons, and stepped in wherever help was needed.

 

 

Her warm and welcoming presence, especially with new riders, makes a lasting impact. Kiara’s enthusiasm, leadership, and generosity make her an invaluable member of the Macarthur BMX family.

 

Pictured: Kiara Dewhurst of Macarthur BMX accepts her prize with Wests Group Macarthur Chairman Alan Buxton and CEO Daniel Perkiss.

 

 

 

Winner Adult Volunteer of the Year – Geoff Golden, Macarthur Magic Special Needs Football Club

 

 

Geoff Golden is a passionate and visionary community leader who, in 2012, founded the Macarthur Magic Special Needs Football Club with one powerful goal: to give children and young adults with disabilities a fair go in sport. What began as a dream to create space for inclusion has since grown into a movement that has touched hundreds of lives.

 

 

At its core, Macarthur Magic offers a weekly, soccer-based program tailored for participants with intellectual and/or physical disabilities. Unlike mainstream football, the program operates in an inclusive, non-competitive environment where the focus is on fun, participation, and ability, not performance or winning. Every child is encouraged to join in, express themselves, and enjoy the game at their own pace.

 

 

Founded in 2012 with just 22 players, Macarthur Magic has flourished into one of the largest inclusive soccer clubs in Australia, now proudly serving more than 130 registered players, both boys and girls, from the age of 6 and up. Today, countless Macarthur families of children with a disability are part of the extended Magic community.

 

 

Entirely volunteer-run, Macarthur Magic is an affiliated club within the Macarthur Football Association (MFA) and a registered Football NSW Football4All program provider. Geoff’s legacy is one of inspiration, resilience, and impact, and his work will continue to shape lives for generations to come.

 

 

For more than 13 years, Geoff has worn many hats: club president, on-field coach, mentor, and tireless organiser. His unwavering dedication and leadership have broken down barriers, championed inclusion, and brought the joy of weekend sport to those who had previously been excluded.

 

 

Under Geoff’s guidance, the club has expanded from just 22 players to becoming one of the largest and most respected inclusive football programs in Australia. His vision and commitment have transformed lives and created lasting positive impact for families across the Macarthur region.

 

 

Geoff’s legacy of inclusion and community spirit will continue to inspire for generations to come.

 

 

 

 

Pictured: Geoff Golden of Macarthur Magic Special Needs Football Club accepts his prize with Wests Group Macarthur Chairman Alan Buxton and CEO Daniel Perkiss.

 

 

Beyond the Wests Sports Volunteer of the Year Awards, Wests Group Macarthur proudly supports local sport through a seasonal awards program as well as a substantial amount of funding each year towards the ongoing success of each member club of the Wests Sports Council.

 

 

The Wests Sports Council plays a vital role in Wests Group Macarthur’s long-standing commitment to sport in the region and aims to provide simple pathways for community access to affordable and well-administered sporting opportunities within a thriving local network of sporting clubs and associations.

 

 

For more on the Wests Sports Council and Wests Group commitment to being the Home of Sport visit www.westslc.com.au/Sport.