Bathurst’s GIANT year shortlisted for club award

Bathurst Giants representatives with Member for Bathurst, Poole Toole earlier in 2024. Picture: Poole Toole MP Facebook

On Thursday May 23, Sport NSW recognised Bathurst GIANTS outstanding year on and off the field as a shortlisted finalist for the 2024 Sports Foyer NSW Community Sports Awards.

The GIANTS were one of six clubs shortlisted as a finalist for the NSW Communities and Justice Community Club of the Year. The nomination was received off the back of two premierships and six Grand Final appearances in 2023, in addition to the work the club does within the Bathurst community.

The Bathurst club were joined by Callaghan District Netball, Maitland Touch, Northern Districts (Butcher’s) Cricket Club, Swansea Football Club, and Toronto Croquet Club as finalists.

Sport NSW Chief Executive, Stuart Hodge acknowledged the response to the awards was significant.

“It is fantastic to see such an extraordinary response from NSW community sports clubs and organisations, and we congratulate all finalists for their exceptional work over the judging period,” said Mr Hodge.

“The contribution to sport by so many clubs, teams, volunteer coaches, match officials and administrators and local Councils is quite overwhelming.”

AFL NSW/ACT had a strong representation in category nominations with several great candidates acknowledged. The Bathurst GIANTS nomination, however, was the only one to progress through to being shortlisted as a potential award winner.

AFL NSW/ACT Regional Club Development Lead Samad Shaikh celebrated the GIANTS shortlisting, whilst crediting all nominees for their achievements.

“The Sport NSW, Sport Foyer Community Sport Awards stand as a beacon of excellence on the NSW Sporting Calendar, an event that AFL NSW/ACT holds in high regard. Each year, we witness the celebration of outstanding achievements across a myriad of categories, a testament to the dedication and passion within our sporting community.

“We take immense pride in the Bathurst GIANTS, who have not only represented the Central West with distinction but have also earned the honour of being finalists for the ‘Community Club of the Year’.

“This category symbolises a commitment to inclusion and diversity, both in club administration and participant engagement, values that the Bathurst GIANTS embody with aplomb.

“AFL NSW/ACT extends heartfelt congratulations to all the nominees who have made these awards possible through their tireless efforts. While we celebrate the achievements of all, our hopes are particularly pinned on the Bathurst GIANTS, a club that has truly exemplified the spirit of our sport.”

Key factors of the Bathurst GIANTS nomination were their engagement with the local community, particularly through their club’s community Indigenous Participation Fund.

The fund, which is built from the annual auctioning of the club’s Indigenous Round guernseys, has supported the purchase of AFL uniforms for several local schools.

The GIANTS have built over the past seasons an inclusive environment and outstanding initiatives such as their umpire recruitment and development pathway, and the volunteer education and training program.

These programs have strengthened the GIANTS, allowing more people to support the club’s committee and deliver positive outcomes behind the scenes.
Throughout this period, the club have been able to secure funding for key projects including additional pathing around the changerooms, and a recently announced lighting project.

Bathurst GIANTS President, Kathy Sloan was incredibly proud of the club’s achievements. “It is recognition for the tremendous job that all our volunteers do throughout the whole year.

“We have the best team of coaches, managers, committee, program coordinators, and game day volunteers that put up their hand to help where needed.

“We were pretty excited, as well as shocked, to hear that we had been nominated for this award, let alone reach the finalist stage.”

The Bathurst GIANTS announced being a finalist to their club at Saturday’s Indigenous Round guernsey auction. The club is now full of excitement ahead of the announcement.

“There has been genuine excitement since we announced the nomination over the weekend” Sloan exclaimed.

“Our people are proud that a small club such as ours could be recognised like this.”

AFL Central West Community Football & Competition Manager, Casey White, spoke highly of the GIANTS year and credited the achievement to the many volunteers who support the club. “Being shortlisted for this award is an incredible honour for the GIANTS players, volunteers, and community to celebrate.

“They should be very proud of the work put into the past twelve months, and the development of the club over the past ten seasons since formation.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the club’s achievement with them, as the only AFL NSW/ACT nomination to be shortlisted as a finalist in any category.”

The Bathurst GIANTS will find out whether they are the successful overall winner at a gala dinner on Wednesday June 19 at CommBank Stadium, Parramatta.

For more information about the Sport NSW Community Sport Awards click here to read the organisation’s media release from Thursday’s announcement.

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