The AFL and the Reach Foundation today released the names of the three finalists for the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award; Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell, Gold Coast SUNS ruckman Zac Smith and Western Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson.
The Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award honours the former Melbourne Football Club President and champion player who passed away in March last year and will be presented to one of these three finalists at the 2013 Brownlow Medal Ceremony.
Richmond midfielder Daniel Jackson was presented with the Award last year as the inaugural winner, recognising his commitment to mental health and well-being of young people including as an ambassador for Headspace, Australia’s national youth mental health foundation, as a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters and for promoting strategies to avoid street violence on behalf of En Masse and Step Back Think.
AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Demetriou said the award commemorates Jim Stynes’ tireless service and leadership across the community.
“This award will be bestowed on the AFL player who demonstrates the values of Jim Stynes in his commitment to the community and understanding the value of helping others.
“The AFL is proud of the three finalists’ outstanding contribution to the community, each demonstrating true leadership and initiative.”
“Sam Ludbey will present the award to the winner at the Brownlow Medal, which is a fitting tribute to Jim’s achievement as the 1991 Brownlow medalist,” said Mr. Demetriou.
Reach Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sarah Davies said this award is a wonderful tribute to Jim and a great way for Jim’s legacy to live on.
“Jim lived his passion for seeking and encouraging the greatness in young people and encouraging them to live their best lives; it is fitting that this award recognises others who are doing this for themselves and for others.”
Nominations were sought from AFL clubs before the selection panel chose the three finalists and the winner who will receive $20,000 from the AFL to be donated to the charity or community program of their choice.
The Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award selection panel includes The Honourable Linda Dessau AM, AFL Commissioner (Chair of the selection panel), Andrew Demetriou, AFL Chief Executive Officer, Sam Ludbey, Sarah Davies, Reach Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Jason Mifsud, AFL Head of Diversity, Neil Mitchell, 3AW Melbourne presenter and Kim Williams.
Finalists for the inaugural Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award
Nick Maxwell:
Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell has shown outstanding leadership and excellence over a number of years in making a very significant contribution to a wide range of community groups, charitable organisations and social programs. Nick is a founding Director of the Collingwood Football Club Foundation. He established The Michael Carmody Foundation to honour the memory of one of his Geelong schoolmates who was killed in a camping accident in 2008. Nick is an ambassador for Make-A-Wish Australia which grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. He is also an ambassador to the World Society for the Protection of Animals which exists to tackle animal cruelty across the globe. Nick is proactive in creating new initiatives and leveraging his profile in the media to further promote these activities.
Zac Smith:
Gold Coast SUNS Zac Smith joined the Club as a foundation player five years ago and in this time, through his relentless work within the community and sacrifice of his spare time, Zac has made a significant difference. As the SUNS’ Domestic Violence Awareness ambassador, Zac has been a leader of the Gold Coast SUNS Horizons program, which focuses on ruling out domestic violence and youth homelessness. Zac is also a passionate White Ribbon ambassador and has gone above and beyond to seek out how he and his fellow teammates can support the cause and deliver key messages, such as encouraging the SUNS playing group to train in white jumpers to raise awareness of the issue of domestic violence on White Ribbon Day. The SUNS ruckman has also contributed significantly to the wider community, including supporting the youth through the One Punch Can Kill program, indigenous communities through the No Boundaries partnership program and families in need through the White Christmas Charity Event.
Will Minson:
A founding member of Red Dust Role Models, Will Minson has volunteered for the program since its inception in 2003 delivering clinics and healthy messages to youth to inspire them to live a balanced lifestyle. Will has travelled several times with the group to help educate underprivileged children in Indigenous Australia, Fiji and India on health, sanitation and life opportunities. He is a great role model for emerging players in the industry, encouraging them to play their part in using their own platform to support and help others and to inspire young people, not only to play footy but to also lead healthier, more active lives.
