Sharon Wood-Kenney recognised for community leadership

Sharon Wood-Kenney was recognised for her inspirational commitment to football and the local community with induction to the WA Women’s Hall of Fame in the Sport category, at a recent ceremony held on International Women’s Day, March 8.

Sharon was one of 15 inductees across various fields and now sits alongside 197 other women within the Hall of Fame.

Sharon, who has been involved in a variety of roles throughout the community over her established career, has proven to be a source of inspiration for many kids, in particular the indigenous communities she has worked so closely with.

Sharon has become a shining ambassador for football, most notable within Aboriginal communities and works closely with the West Perth Football Club and WA Football Commission. Sharon is also the President of the Ocean Ridge Junior Football Club.

She was responsible for founding the Djinda Falcons Program in 2012, a program that is responsible for many kids getting out and expressing themselves through sport.

“Sharon is an asset to the local community, in particular the local football community” said WAFC Community Development Manager Andrew Ridley.

“Sharon goes above and beyond for far more than just a club, she is in it for the community and the kids. Over the last two years Sharon has managed, coached, organised, lead and engaged.”

“Sharon’s biggest role is the management of the Djinda Falcons Program, an Aboriginal leadership program which provides mentoring for aboriginal youth, whilst developing football skills.”

“In late 2019 Sharon was recognised by the WA Football Commission as the recipient of the inaugural Diversity Volunteer of the Year Award, supported by Optus. Sharon’s induction into the Hall of Fame sees her recognition extend beyond football.”

Sharon has also done significant work within the mental health space and some of her achievements include the establishment of the Djinda Bridiya Wellbeing Moort Foundation, as well as co-designing female and domestic violence hubs.

The positive change she has implemented within her community cannot be understated and it is a credit to the enormous amount of work and dedication she has as well as her drive to succeed.

Along with the multiple roles Sharon has held throughout the various community groups she has been a part of, she was recently appointed President of the Ocean Ridge Junior Football Club where there is no doubt her drive, experience and expertise will take the club to new heights.

Sharon is currently working with the WA Football Commission on their Reconciliation Action Plan, due to be released in late 2020.

Photo 1: WA Women’s Hall of Fame sport inductee Sharon Wood-Kenney and Women’s Interests Minister Simone McGurk. Credit: Supplied/Matt Jelonek.

Photo 2: Sharon after being presented with the WA Football Diversity Volunteer Award, pictured with Andrew Ridley.