Darren is the state’s top volunteer
The Camden Haven Bombers own Darren Mearrick has been acknowledged as AFL NSW/ACT’s Volunteer of the Year for 2018.
Darren has been involved with the running of the club for the past 10 years and is the current president. He has maintained this involvement despite his own children not having played for the past five years as he is passionate about ensuring that children from across the Camden Haven have the chance to play AFL footy.
In his role as President Darren has grown sponsorship by 50%, mentored coaches and parents, led the phase out of disposable cups, straws, and plastic bags, leads the club’s marketing and promotion efforts, cooks BBQs, runs the canteen, sets up the ground, and is the team water carrier whenever called upon.
News of his award came as a complete shock to Darren whose initial response was “Wow!”! Once he had a chance to compose himself Darren was his usual magnanimous self, heaping praise on volunteers at all levels.
“All footy clubs rely on the efforts of volunteers to run the club, coach teams, set up and pack down grounds, wash jumpers run the canteen, and numerous other jobs. I extend my congratulations to the volunteers of all clubs who give up so much of their time to make sure that kids everywhere can play our great game.”
As the state Volunteer of the Year Darren receives a trip for two to Melbourne for the 2018 AFL Grand Final, including airfares and accommodation. In addition to being in attendance at the match, Darren will also be involved in the Grand Final parade through the city on the Friday before the match.
Outside of footy Darren is a member of both the local SES and Rotary club, and is a Director of Club North Haven. Volunteering is a way of life for Darren, not just a hobby.
Thank you Darren for everything you do.
Congratulations and thanks are also extended to each Junior club’s Volunteer of the Year:
| Junior Club | Volunteer of the Year |
| Grafton Tigers | Ray Whitty |
| Northern Beaches Blues | Carla Nieuwerth |
| Coffs Harbour Breakers | Sally Wynne |
| Sawtell Toormina Saints | Nicole Blackman |
| Bellingen Bulldogs | Milo Bowd |
| Nambucca Valley Lions | Norm Devereaux |
| Macleay Valley Eagles | Kevin Ackerly |
| South West Rocks Dockers | Mark Plummer |
| Port Macquarie Magpies | Jason Purkis |
| Manning Valley Mustangs | Joe Taylor |
