2025 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador ProgramMonday, June 16, 2025 - 1:34 PM

West Australians have the chance to join Ella Spinks from the East Fremantle Umpires Association as a winner of the Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador program.

Spinks was given the state award last year and it’s time to recognise those who have made a positive impact on women and girls’ footy across the country, with the 2025 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador Program now calling for nominations.

As AFLW celebrates its milestone 10th season of the competition, it’s passionate people at grassroots who have played a pivotal role in the development and progression of women and girls’ football in their communities.

Since the first season of AFLW women and girls’ participation has grown from 42,000 to more than 125,000 – up nearly 200 per cent – including the creation of more than 2,500 new women's and girls’ teams since 2016.

Now in its fifth consecutive year, the Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador Program encourages the football community to nominate someone from their club – it could be a volunteer, coach, administrator, player, umpire – who has made a change and played a significant part in the growth and success of women and girls footy.

Thirty-five ambassadors have been recognised over four years with seven winners announced in September, one from each of Western Australia, New South Wales/ACT, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.

Nominations open today, Monday 16 June and will be open until Sunday 20 July, with the winners announced in early September.

NOMINATE HERE

Each Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador receives a $1,000 grant from the Women’s Football Fund to donate to the club of their choice as well as a money can’t buy 2025 NAB AFLW Grand Final experience.

AFL National Women and Girls Football Lead and AFL Hall of Famer, Debbie Lee, said it was important to recognise the people who continue to progress the game for women and girls.

“It’s incredible to think we’re heading into the 10th season of the AFLW competition and the fifth year of the Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador Program,” Lee said.

“The growth of women and girls football across the country has been championed by passionate and dedicated people in local communities, and it’s important we celebrate and recognise the opportunities and experiences they are providing throughout, junior, youth and senior levels.

“I’ve been lucky to attend the special breakfast with the winning recipients on AFLW Grand Final Day for a number of years and the stories and connections shared between the ambassadors truly continue to inspire each other.

“I would encourage members at local clubs to start nominating for this year’s ambassador program, I know there would be many deserving winners waiting to be recognised. I’d also like to thank Chemist Warehouse for its continued support and investment in women and girls football.”

Chemist Warehouse Director, Mario Tascone said the powerhouse pharmacy retailer is proud to be supporting the fifth year of the program.

“Chemist Warehouse is thrilled to be supporting the 2025 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador program and acknowledge the tremendous work of volunteers at the community level every year.”

“Chemist Warehouse has supported the AFLW competition since its inception and we look forward to continuing to champion women and girls football throughout the community and at an elite level.”

As the league celebrates 10 seasons of the AFLW competition and five years of the Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador Program, see below for a full list of winners since its inception in 2021.

2021 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador winners (inaugural year):

Jo Butland, North Cairns Tigers, QLD

Charmaine Rogers, Claremont Womens Football Club, WA

Yvette Andrews, Inner West Magpies Football Club, NSW/ACT

Lateesha Jeffrey, Northern Territory Football League, NT

Shona MacInnes, VAFA, VIC

Jodie Mather, Lindisfarne, TAS

Paul Modra, Edwardstown Junior Football Club, SA

 

2022 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador winners (Season 6): 

Katie Kennedy, Bathurst GIANTS ARFC, NSW/ACT

Helen Lee, Arnhem Crows Football Club, NT

Kate Guy, Mt Gravatt Australian Football Club, QLD

Julie Clifton, Willunga Football Club & South Adelaide Football Club, SA

Jodie Clifford, George Town Football Club, TAS

Ella Angarane, Bass Coast Breakers, VIC

Sarah Kerry, Secret Harbour, WA

 

2022 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador winners (Season 7): 

Samantha Greene, La Trobe University FC, VIC

Kristie Whittard, Manly Bombers JAFL and Manly Wolves FC, NSW/ACT

Jeanne Ronald, Bakers Creek AFC, QLD

Kylie Duggan, Darwin Buffaloes, NT

Nicole Rodgers, Warwick Greenwood JFC, WA

Jodie Reid, South Augusta FC, SA

Sarah Shepherd, Northern Tasmanian Football Umpires Association, TAS

 

2023 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador winners: 

Crystal Browne, Eastside FC, NT

Vanessa Creeley, Sarina Demons AFC, Bakers Creek AFC and Wilston Grange AFC, QLD

Kathryn Lee, Lockleys JFC, SA

Taneil Bloomfield, Deloraine FC, TAS

Annette Maloney, Port Melbourne Colts JFC, VIC

Eshe Christie, Kalgoorlie City FC and Goldfields Football League, WA

Nadene McBride, Singleton Roosters FC, NSW/ACT

Nadene was posthumously recognised as the representative from her state/territory for her incredible contribution to Australian football at her club and in the Hunter Central Coast region. 

 

2024 Chemist Warehouse AFLW Community Ambassador winners:

Lina Freyer, Batemans Bay Seahawks Football Club, NSW/ACT

Tamara Spence, Jabiru Bombers Football Club, NT

Alera Heywood, Broadbeach Football Club, QLD

Cecilia Moretti, Goodwood Saints Football Club, SA

Melissa Budgeon, Ulverstone Football Club, TAS

Liana Keenan, Westmeadows Football Club, VIC

Ella Spinks, East Fremantle Umpires Association, WA