East Fremantle District volunteer Michael Bardsley was recognised for 20 years of dedicated service when he was named The Sunday Times WA Football Volunteer of the Year at the WAFL’s Sandover Medal count on Monday, September 17.

Mr Bardsley was announced as the overall winner from 17 regional and district finalists and more than 1480 nominees. He received a trip for two to the AFL grand final and will also march in the Grand Final parade and mix with AFL legends at a special AFL Olympic Room function.

Upper Swan JFC has dived into the Quality Club Program, becoming only the second club in the Swans District to secure gold level accreditation. The gold level recognises exceptional club administration and provides stakeholders with the tools to develop policies relating to disabilities, racial and religious tolerance, risk management, strategic planning and volunteer recognition.

The Swans have quickly progressed to become one of the benchmark clubs in the Swans District, delivering a series of community programs including the Mentoring Program, Peet Family Day and Swan Valley Cup. The Player Mentoring Program utilises Year 12 players, Fraser Davies and Simon Williams as coaches and umpires to provide Auskick and Modified’s players with positive linkages to senior players.

Amy Potter from Armadale Auskick Centre was announced as the winner of the WA Child Safety Volunteer Award at the inaugural Constable Care WA Child Safety Awards at Burswood Grand Ballroomon on July 28.

Over 400 guests attended the gala function including dignitaries His Excellency Malcom McCusker QC (Governor of Western Australia), The Honourable Chief Justice of Western Australia Wayne Martin QC and Police Commissioner Dr Karl O’Callaghan.

The evening celebrated the people and organisations that have contributed to child safety in Western Australia in 2012.

Highlighting the outstanding work that is done by so many of our NAB AFL Auskick volunteers, Amy Potter (Armadale Auskick Centre) was announced as the winner of the coveted Western Australian Child Safety Volunteer Award.

The Sunday Times WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award has reached a record 1369 nominations from around the State.

The number of volunteers nominated for recognition in 2012 is a big increase on the 850 nominations received in 2011 and 500 the previous year.

The 1000th nominee was Haydn Quick from Rostrata Junior Football Club in the East Fremantle District, who was put forward after nine years of service as a club committee member, coach, runner, timkeeper and umpire.

Descirbed as "a great club person who always gets in and helps", Haydn is now in the running for the District Finals and overall Sunday Times WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award.

THE West Australian football community will recognise some of the game’s most valuable assets following the start of National Volunteer Week today (Monday, May 14).

The week also marks the opening of nominations for The Sunday Times WA Football Volunteer of the Year Award, with the West Australian Football Commission conducting a variety of events and functions over the nomination period (May 14 to July 13) to recognise volunteers and encourage nominations.

At the end of the season, a Volunteer Award will be presented in each of WA’s 17 Football Districts and Regions. The winners will be invited with a guest to the 2012 Sandover Medal count, where each will be acknowledged for their efforts among some of WA Football’s finest contributors.