2026 Volunteer of the Year
2026 Volunteer of the Year
Dylan Larkins
Caloundra Junior Rugby Union Club
Meet Caloundra Rugby's Mr Reliable
For more than a decade, Dylan Larkins has been a constant presence in junior rugby on the Sunshine Coast, shaping young players, strengthening club culture and giving countless hours back to the game he loves.
Now in his 11th year coaching at Caloundra Junior Rugby Union Club, Dylan has guided the same group of players from under 6s right through to under 15s, creating a team environment built on respect, connection and enjoyment of the game.
His impact extends far beyond the players he coaches. Widely respected across the rugby community, Dylan is known as someone who is always willing to lend a hand where it’s needed, whether that means setting up fields before kick-off, refereeing a game, helping in the canteen or supporting club operations in his role as Vice President of Caloundra Junior Rugby Union Club, a position he has held for the past four years.
Dylan has also contributed to representative rugby on the Coast, coaching Sunshine Coast Rugby Union Stingrays teams, helping develop emerging talent across the region.
For Dylan, volunteering is about giving back to a sport and community that helped shape his own life.
“This is my way of giving back to the community that gave me so much growing up,” he said.
“I try to make an impact on these players whether it be small or large and I hope I’m making a difference in their lives.”
“You always remember the coaches you’ve had over the years and I hope I’m one of the good ones they remember.”
Ask Dylan what his favourite moment in rugby has been and he does not point to a trophy, a grand final or a single achievement. Instead, he credits the relationships formed along the way.
“For me it’s not a singular moment but rather the connections I’ve made,” he said.
“Not only ones within my club but also connections with other clubs up and down South East Queensland.”
“I’ve been pretty lucky to have connected with a lot of amazing humans who just want to give back to the game and uplift those who are connected to the game.”
Sunshine Coast Rugby Union General Manager Connor Ellis said Dylan exemplified everything that community rugby stood for.
“People like Dylan are the heartbeat of our clubs. Whether he’s coaching, volunteering behind the scenes or filling a gap wherever help is needed, he does it with humility and a genuine desire to make rugby better for everyone around him. We are incredibly fortunate to have people like Dylan in our game.”
Through thousands of volunteer hours, unwavering commitment and a passion for helping others, Dylan continues to make a lasting difference to rugby on the Sunshine Coast.
Ross Fountain
Saints Rugby Union Club
Creating memories, one Saints season at a time
For more than five years, Ross Fountain has been helping shape the future of rugby on the Sunshine Coast, leading by example as President of Saints Rugby Union Club and coach of the club’s under 15 boys team. A passionate advocate for community sport, Ross has played a pivotal role in transforming Saints into a welcoming, inclusive and family-focused club where players are encouraged to develop both on and off the field.
Under his leadership, Saints has experienced significant growth in player numbers and participation. He has also been a driving force behind expanding opportunities for girls and young women in rugby, helping establish female teams and reinforcing his belief that rugby is a game for everyone. His commitment to Saints’ “Fun First” philosophy has helped create a club culture built on enjoyment, friendship and community connection.
Beyond his responsibilities as President, Ross is constantly looking for ways to create memorable experiences for players and families, including tours and activities that bring people together and strengthen the club community. For Ross, volunteering is about giving today’s players the same opportunities and experiences that rugby gave him growing up.
“I volunteer because I love rugby and what being part of a rugby club can give kids,” he said.
Growing up, some of Ross’s most treasured memories came through rugby, and he believes today’s young players deserve the same chance to experience everything the game has to offer.
“I’ve always wanted to do my bit, help out where I can, and hopefully give today’s kids some of the same great memories and experiences we had growing up playing rugby.”
While rugby itself provides plenty of excitement, Ross believes the real value of junior sport extends far beyond what happens on the field.
“It’s the mates you make, the laughs, the confidence you build, and just being part of a club and a community,” he said.
“Some of my best memories growing up came from rugby, and if we can help create that same experience for the next generation, then all the time and effort is worth it.”
That sense of community is what keeps Ross coming back year after year. Watching players grow, families become connected and volunteers form lasting friendships is one of the most rewarding parts of being involved in grassroots rugby.
“Along the way, you see parents, coaches, volunteers and supporters become mates as well.”
For Ross, that shared sense of belonging captures the very best of community rugby.
“That’s probably what I enjoy most about community rugby, everyone pitching in and being part of something together.”
Over the years he has seen the Saints community rally around families facing difficult circumstances, watched volunteers step forward to lend a hand and witnessed countless young people gain confidence through the game.
“The memories are endless,” he said.
Brooke Te Huia
Uni Barbarians Rugby Club
Brooke and the Bah Bahs
For 15 years, Brooke Te Huia has been one of the driving forces behind the Barbarians Rugby Club’s golden run.Whether she’s managing teams, coordinating volunteers, organising fundraising events, handling registrations, supporting players, assisting committee members or helping keep match days running smoothly, Brooke has become one of those rare volunteers whose influence can be felt in almost every corner of the club.
On a typical home game day, she might arrive before breakfast time and leave long after the final whistle. From the canteen and field marshalling to team management and event coordination, Brooke has built a reputation as someone who simply gets things done. But while her contribution to the club is extraordinary, Brooke insists her reason for staying involved has always been much simpler.
“It has always been about the people,” Brooke said.
Rugby has long been part of Brooke’s story. Her father enjoyed success as a premiership-winning player and coach with the University Rugby Club, while her brother built an impressive career of his own as a multiple premiership-winning player. But while rugby may run through the family, Brooke has carved out a legacy entirely her own. Over the past 15 years she has become one of the most respected figures at the Barbarians, helping create the culture, connections and sense of community that define the club today.
Her journey into volunteering began unexpectedly. When she learned her brother was planning to move to Canada, she returned to rugby to spend more time with him before he left. What started as an opportunity to reconnect soon became something much bigger.
“I knew my brother was moving to Canada, and I wanted to spend more time with him before he left,” she said.
“Before I knew it, I was back to playing, and somehow I ended up managing the Reserve Grade and A Grade teams,” she laughed.
Over time, rugby became far more than a game.
“Rugby has given me some of the most important friendships and experiences of my life, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to give something back to the game and the club that has given me so much.”
While premierships and club success have been a nice part of the journey, Brooke says the moments she values most are seeing players grow through the club and remain connected to its culture.
“Seeing players who start in junior teams progress into Reserve Grade and eventually into the A Grade squad gives me an enormous sense of pride.”
Knowing she may have played even a small role in that rugby journey makes every late night, early start and volunteer hour worthwhile.
“My favourite memories aren’t linked to one particular game or result. They’re the moments where I’ve realised that my involvement has made a difference to someone.”
“I love watching the boys develop as players and as people,” she said.
Sunshine Coast Rugby Union General Manager Connor Ellis said Brooke’s contribution exemplified everything that makes community rugby so special.
“Brooke’s contribution spans administration, events, player welfare, team management, fundraising and community building, but what truly stands out is the care she shows for the people around her,” Connor said.
“For 15 years she has invested her time, energy and heart into the Barbarians. The players she has supported, the friendships she has helped foster and the culture she has helped create are a testament to her dedication.”
Rochelle Williams
Brothers Rugby Club
The Mother of Brothers: Rochelle Williams
For many families at Brothers Rugby Club, Rochelle Williams is one of the first people they meet and one of the reasons they stay.
Over the years, she has served as Chairperson, Secretary, Events Coordinator, Team Manager, organiser, problem-solver and trusted supporter. Whether she’s running an event, helping in the canteen, marshalling fields, coordinating volunteers or making sure players and families have what they need, Rochelle seems to be everywhere at once.
All three of her children have been part of the club and, over the years, the rugby community has become an extension of her family.
“I volunteer at Brothers because all three of my children have been part of the club, and over the years it has become so much more than just a rugby club to our family,” she said.
Watching young players grow and develop is one of the aspects of volunteering she enjoys most.
“I love watching our young players grow and develop, not only as rugby players but as people,” Rochelle said.
Over the years she has watched friendships form, confidence flourish and young players find their place within the club. Nothing gives her greater satisfaction than seeing junior players progress through the grades and emerge as senior players, still connected to the Brothers family that helped shape them.
“It’s wonderful to see the friendships they form, the confidence they gain, and how they become part of something bigger than just a rugby team.”
She believes Brothers’ philosophy of “One Club, One Family” is more than just a slogan.
“This has been particularly evident in our junior players transitioning into senior players,” she said.
“I believe Brothers really embraces the idea of ‘One Club, One Family’ by bringing families and the wider community together.”
While Rochelle’s nomination recognises the countless hours she has contributed, she is quick to redirect the praise towards the broader volunteer network that helps make the club what it is.
“We are lucky to have so many outstanding community contributors as volunteers in our club and so I’m humbled to have been nominated for this award.”
At its core, Rochelle says rugby has always been about much more than what happens on the field.
“To me, rugby is about so much more than the game itself,” she said.
It’s about bringing people together, creating lifelong friendships and ensuring everyone feels they belong.
“It’s about bringing people together, building friendships and creating a community where everyone feels welcome and valued, regardless of their background, culture or beliefs.”
“It’s about being part of something bigger and knowing that everyone has a place.”
That belief in belonging is perhaps best reflected in Rochelle’s favourite volunteering memory.
One of the moments that stands out most is watching Brothers’ MRP players take the field on Grand Final Day.
Seeing the excitement on their faces and the pride they felt in representing their club remains one of her proudest experiences.
“One of my favourite memories as a rugby volunteer has been watching our Modified Rugby Program players take the field at the stadium on Grand Final Day,” she said.
For Rochelle, it was about far more than rugby.
It was about seeing players embraced by the wider club community and recognised as an important part of the Brothers family.
“Seeing the excitement on their faces, watching how the club has embraced them and made them feel like an important part of the Brothers family, has been incredibly special.”
She also takes enormous pride in seeing other players step up to coach, mentor and support the children involved.
“It has also been amazing to watch other players coach and mentor these children and their pride in what they have achieved.”
“Those moments are a big part of why I love volunteering,” she said.
Sunshine Coast Rugby Union General Manager Connor Ellis said Rochelle’s nomination captured the quiet, practical work that makes a club feel like family.
“Rochelle notices what needs doing before most people do. From events and team support to the Modified Rugby Program, her fingerprints are all over the best parts of Brothers,” Connor said.
Her Volunteer of the Year nomination recognises the countless hours she has devoted to the club, but perhaps her nominator said it best: Rochelle is not simply a Mother of a Brother.
“She is the Mother of Brothers.”
Miles Turvey
Maroochydore Junior Rugby Club
Miles ahead: Turvey shortlisted for two decades of rugby service
Maroochydore Junior Rugby Club President Miles Turvey recognised among five finalists after more than 20 years of service to local rugby.
Miles Turvey has been named one of five finalists for the Sunshine Coast Rugby Union Volunteer of the Year award, recognising more than two decades of commitment to growing, supporting and strengthening rugby across the region.
As President of Maroochydore Junior Rugby Club, Miles plays a central role in keeping junior rugby moving year after year. His contribution stretches well beyond administration, with Miles also coaching the Swans Under 17 boys, assisting the undefeated Under 12 girls and providing a helping hand with the club’s Under 14 and Under 15 teams.
For Miles, seeing that competition grow has been one of the most rewarding parts of his volunteer journey.
“I have so many great memories that have come from volunteering, from the fun and laughs in Under 6s and Under 7s to Under 14s and Under 15s back-to-back premierships, but the best one lately was the Under 12 girls competition getting off the ground,” Miles said.
“Not only because of Maroochydore’s success, but because it is so good to see girls at that age having a space where they can enjoy rugby alongside other aspiring young female athletes and rugby lovers.”
Alongside his junior rugby commitments, Miles continues to run his own business and remains a prolific player.
In 2026, he was part of the Maroochydore Swans Cricks Cup premiership-winning side and is still known to pull on the boots when Reserve Grade needs support.
On some weekends, his contribution spans Cricks Cup, junior rugby and Reserve Grade, reflecting the kind of all-in commitment that keeps community sport alive.
“The reason I volunteer is easy,” Miles said.
“It is to share and improve the rugby experience for any young kids who want to give it a go. It is more than a game.
“I believe the more you put in, the more you get back.”
Sunshine Coast Rugby Union General Manager Connor Ellis said Miles’ nomination was a fitting recognition of the people who make rugby possible across the region.
“Volunteers are the heart and soul of rugby on the Sunshine Coast,” Connor said. “Every weekend, people like Miles give their time, energy and care so players, families and clubs can enjoy the game we all love.”
“Miles is a wonderful example of what community rugby is all about. His service to Maroochydore Junior Rugby Club, his support for young players and his willingness to contribute wherever he is needed have made a real difference over more than 20 years.”
“On behalf of Sunshine Coast Rugby Union, I want to congratulate Miles on being named one of five finalists for Volunteer of the Year. It is a terrific achievement and a well-deserved acknowledgement of an outstanding contribution to our rugby community.”