PICTURED: Jill Hepburn from Lismore Richmond Rovers FC, with FFNC General Manager, Steve Mackney.
Lismore Richmond Rovers FC club stalwart Jill Hepburn has been named the Northern NSW Football Newcastle Permanent VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR for 2016.
Jill’s dedication to community football has been demonstrated for more than 50 years, including her continued role as club secretary during this extraordinary longevity. The much loved Rovers Life Member can now include the recognition of Newcastle Permanent Volunteer of the Year amongst her many accolades.
A very humble but immensely proud Jill Hepburn accepted the award at a glittering Northern NSW Football Awards function in Newcastle on Friday evening. In accepting the award, Jill said that she wanted to acknowledge the contribution of all volunteers, from every club. “I have loved every minute of my involvement in grassroots football”, Jill said. She further went on to say, “I have made many lifelong friends and shared so many wonderful moments with families whose children grew up playing football with Rovers. I accept this award on behalf of the efforts of all volunteers.”
Members of the Newcastle Permanent Marketing team joined representatives from NNSWF and all seven zones in congratulating Jill. The Perm’s Jessie White summed things up well by saying, “It is people like Jill who are the heart and soul of community clubs. Newcastle Permanent is delighted to be able to recognise the generosity of people like Jill for their selfless efforts. This award is well deserved!”.
NNSWF Community Football Manager Peter Haynes echoed Jessie’s sentiments. “Amongst the many outstanding nominations received, Jill’s dedication to Lismore Richmond Rovers has been exceptional and the Newcastle Permanent Volunteer of the Year Award is well deserved,” Haynes said.
Football Far North Coast extends a sincere congratulations to Jill and again thanks every club volunteer who so generously support our game to progress so positively.
About NNSWF’s Community Partnership with Newcastle Permanent:
Newcastle Permanent is the major partner of Community Football across Northern NSW and has partnered with NNSWF since 2008, supporting the High Performance Program and Junior Football Program.
Newcastle Permanent’s investment in football is one of its most important community partnerships and reflects the financial institution’s commitment to supporting the local community.
The Community Partnership with Newcastle Permanent includes recognition programs such as Newcastle Permanent Volunteer of the Month, Newcastle Permanent Community Coach of the Month, Newcastle Permanent Community Club of the Year, training tools for community coaches and volunteers, as well as the distribution of over 9,000 free balls to young players.
