Long-serving volunteer Barry Nicholls receives OAM

Barry Allan Nicholls OAM, affectionately known throughout the sporting community as “Baz”, has dedicated more than 60 years of volunteer service to community sport across both New South Wales and Western Australia. At 77 years of age, Barry remains one of the most respected and recognisable volunteers within grassroots sport, known for his selfless commitment, caring nature and tireless support of athletes, officials, volunteers and sporting organisations.

Barry’s volunteering journey began in 1964 with the Canley Vale Rugby League Club in New South Wales, where his passion for supporting local sport and community first developed. What started as helping around a local club evolved into a lifelong contribution spanning rugby league, touch football, Australian Rules football, hockey and major sporting events.

Across nearly six decades, Barry has served in countless roles including Sports Trainer, Head Trainer, First Aid Officer, match-day volunteer and mentor. His extensive experience and calm presence have made him a trusted figure on sidelines across Australia. Barry’s career outside of sport also reflected his commitment to people and safety, having spent 47 years working with NSW Railways as a Safety Officer and Station Master.

Throughout his time in New South Wales, Barry became heavily involved in rugby league and touch football communities. He volunteered with organisations including the Balmain Tigers, Orara Valley Rugby League Club, Group 2 Rugby League Association and Hunter West Hornets Touch Football, earning multiple Life Memberships in recognition of his outstanding service and long-standing contribution to community sport.

Barry relocated to Western Australia in 2015 and immediately immersed himself within the local sporting landscape. Since arriving in WA, he has become a valued volunteer across several organisations including WA Football, Metro Central Regional Development Council, East Perth District Football Development Council, East Perth Football Club, Rugby League WA, Touch Football WA and the Bayswater Blues AFC, where he continues to serve as Head Trainer.

Within WA Football, Barry has volunteered and supported competitions, carnivals, development programs and community football initiatives for over a decade. His contribution has been particularly significant in junior football and community development environments, where he has provided first aid support, mentoring and guidance to players, coaches, volunteers and staff. Barry has also volunteered at major sporting events including the Australian University Games and Hockey Masters Games.

Barry is widely admired not only for the practical support he provides, but for the genuine care and kindness he shows to everyone around him. Known for always going above and beyond, Barry is the volunteer who arrives early, stays late and looks after everyone else before himself. Whether sourcing fresh fruit for events, driving volunteers to games, supporting staff behind the scenes or mentoring younger trainers and volunteers, Barry has built a reputation as someone who simply wants to help people and make sport better for everyone involved.

His warm personality and ability to connect with people of all ages has seen Barry become much more than a volunteer within the sporting community. To many, he is a mentor, role model, friend and familiar face who embodies the values of community sport.

Barry’s recognition with the Order of Australia Medal acknowledges a lifetime of extraordinary volunteer service and community contribution. His impact has been felt across generations of athletes, volunteers and sporting organisations, and his dedication continues to inspire those around him.