AFLNT is pleased to announce Jan Wray from the Waratah Football Club has been awarded the 2016 AFL Volunteer of the Year Award for the NT, recognising her contribution to Australian Rules football.
Jan has been actively involved with the Waratah Football Club over the past nine years in her role as Head Trainer.
Jan oversees the club’s medical treatment and player welfare of all three senior men’s teams, the women’s team, and the Under-18s. Her passion and dedication to the wellbeing of all players is remarkable, and she is well known for following up with players after treatment.
She is seen at Tahs training on Tuesday and Thursday nights and on her nights away from the club, Jan is at the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre assisting with the NT Thunder.
Jan is also involved with the NT State Academy where she is the trainer for the Under-18, Under-16, and Youth Girls representative squads.
A highly valued member of the Waratah Football Club, Jan is set to receive her life membership in 2017 for a decade of service.
Off the field, Jan is an active participant of the Waratah Football Club Committee and is the first to put her hand up to assist in any capacity.
The Territorian said it was a huge honour to receive the award.
“To be recognised as the AFL’s NT Volunteer of the Year is a truly humbling feeling,” Wray said.
“I can’t describe it, I am being rewarded for something that I love doing! It is more rewarding to give than receive – a value I have grown up with"
“I would like to thank everyone at the Waratah Football Club and at AFLNT for their support and for the nomination.
“I have never been to a Toyota AFL Grand Final before so I am really looking forward to the experience.
“I will be taking my father along as he is a Geelong supporter so we are hoping they get through this week.”
In addition to attending the 2016 Toyota AFL Grand Final, Jan will also will take part in the 2016 Toyota AFL Grand Final parade.
The Governor of Victoria, The Honourable Linda Dessau AM, will host Wray, along with 500 other volunteers, at a morning reception at Government House on Grand Final Eve, recognising their contribution to our game.
The reception will honour all State and Territories’ Volunteer of the Year Award recipients as well as that of the National Multicultural Ambassador of the Year.