The Western District Rugby Football Club have been crowned the 2024 Good Sports ACT Club of the Year, while club member Rebecca Morrison has also been recognised as the ACT Volunteer of the year.
The initiative honours those in the community who go above and beyond through the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s Good Sports program, helping to break the link between alcohol and sport and tackling topics like illicit drugs, smoking, mental health, and safe transport.
“The Good Sports Awards are the ultimate recognition for clubs leading the way. They celebrate success, highlight the volunteers who are the backbone of community sport, and give winning clubs the recognition they deserve. This year’s winners should be incredibly proud of their achievements,” said Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s ACT Manager, Allison Reid.
“These award recipients are shining examples of the Good Sports program which is helping build a healthier sporting nation by supporting clubs to be a powerful force for positive change, shaping healthier behaviours and stronger communities.”
Committee Member Fiona Austine says Western District Rugby Football Club, based in the heart of Belconnen, takes pride in its community involvement and inclusivity.
“Our club has come a long way since joining Good Sports. We ensure responsible alcohol consumption at functions, display Good Sports resources on standard drinks, and prohibit smoking and vaping at home games. The safety of our junior members is paramount,” Fiona said.
Fiona highlighted the outstanding contributions of Rebecca Morrison, who has been involved with the club since childhood, when her father and brother played.
“She has always stepped up – whether helping at women’s training, transporting players, or supporting the team as manager. On game days, she’s the team mum, setting up fields, running the canteen and BBQ, and ensuring her players have everything they need,” Fiona continued.
ACT & SNSW Rugby Union’s Head of Competitions & Rugby Services Mat Vowles says the award is a significant milestone for the club that sets a great example for others clubs across all sports in the region.
"Wests earning this award is a credit to their club as a whole and the hard work they continue to demonstrate each and every week," said Vowles.
“With not only being recognised in such a fantastic way as the Club of the Year, excitedly Rebecca Morrison claiming the ACT Volunteer of the Year is well deserved. Rebecca has been around both Wests and the wider rugby scene in Canberra for some time via her strong family connections. She continues to go above and beyond with each week and the award is a great recognition for her effort.”
“On behalf of everyone at ACT & SNSW Rugby Union our congratulations go out to both Western District Rugby Football Club and Rebecca Morrison.”
Good Sports is Australia’s largest community health sports program, building strong, sustainable community clubs for over 25 years. Supporting more than 12,000 clubs nationwide, including over 200 in the ACT, Good Sports helps create better environments for players, volunteers, supporters, and officials by addressing key issues like alcohol, drugs, smoking, mental health, and safe transport.
