Vote Now | Chemist Warehouse Community Hero Award: Coach Edition
Published Thu 26 Sep 2024
Amidst the dazzling performances of Australia’s athletes across the globe, Athletics Australia and Chemist Warehouse are excited to celebrate the unsung heroes that keeps the sport thriving: our community coaches, also known as our Champion Makers.
This year's Chemist Warehouse Community Hero Award: Coach Edition celebrates the pool of coaches who were awarded Community Coach of the Month, starting in August 2023 and continuing through to July 2024.
The three coaches who receive the highest number of votes will each be awarded a $1,000 Chemist Warehouse voucher, which they can use to purchase supplies for themselves, their athletes, and their clubs or communities.
The remaining nine coaches will each receive a $150 Chemist Warehouse voucher in recognition of their ongoing contributions.
Voting closes 4pm AEST, October 2nd.
Read a little bit about the twelve finalists before you cast your vote:
Shannon Lum - August 2023
Shannon Lum is the Head Coach of On Track Sydney, based in the Hill's District of Sydney. He has established himself as one of the country's most successful development coaches, fostering the participation and success of athletes from Primary School right up to Open Nationals.
Martin Sheppard - September 2023
With over twenty years experience, Martin Sheppard has established himself as one of Australia's leading High Jump coaches. Proudly working with athletes at all levels of the sport at Athletics Essendon, Martin's focus is on encouraging athletes to get the best out of themselves, with a strong focus on dynamic power and effective High Jump technique.
Brad Cunnington - October 2023
Brad Cunnington is a familiar face around Darwin and has firmly established himself as one of the leading community coaches in the Northern Territory. Brad volunteers at Darwin Athletics Club and is currently working with over 30 athletes, predominantly aged between 12 and 18 years old.
Debbie Meich - November 2023
It's hard to be around the South Australian athletics community and not already be familiar with Debbie Meich.
Debbie has played numerous roles in the sport, including as a volunteer, personal coach, team coach, mentor, educator, and friend.
Wim Vaessen - December 2023
Wim Vaessen has been a significant figure in Tasmanian athletics, contributing to the sport in a myriad of roles. Since returning to athletics in the 1990s, Wim has served as an official, board member, groundskeeper, event manager, and club coordinator.
Brian Daly - January 2024
Brian Daly is a life member of Ginninderra Athletics, where he has contributed to the centre in a number of roles including coach, official, and volunteer. Brian received numerous nominations from the community, which emphasised his years of experience and passion for athletics.
Caitlin McQuilkin Bell - February 2024
Caitlin McQuilkin-Bell may be most well known as a gifted Middle and Long Distance athlete, regularly featuring on the medal dais at State and National-level competitions in events from 800m to 10,000m.
Ian Thompson - March 2024
Ian is a familiar face amongst the coaching community of Queensland being involved with clubs, schools and athletic associations as a coach and coach educator over the last eighteen years. He has helped many athletes to become state and national champions, setting records along the way.
Cathy Woodruff - April 2024
Cathy is a highly experienced athletics coach specializing in sprints, hurdles, and jumps. With a background in coaching since 1986, she has mentored numerous high level athletes, and is dedicated to fostering respect, consistency, and personal growth within her squad.
Greg Cameron - May 2024
From the heart of Whyalla to picturesque Mount Barker, Greg Cameron has been shaping the future of young athletes and leaving an indelible mark on the track and field community in South Australia.
Ilse Way - June 2024
Ilse Way's journey in athletics is a story of passion, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Originally hailing from France, Ilse Way made the leap to Australia five years ago, bringing with her a wealth of experience in pole vaulting and a deep-rooted love for the event that has spanned over three decades.
Ruud van Scheppingen - July 2024
Ruud van Scheppingen, the dynamic force driving athletics in the ACT. If you swing by Corroboree Athletics Club on a Saturday, you’ll find Ruud in action. Whether it’s coaching U6 Shot Put, guiding Seniors in Javelin, managing U13 Triple Jump, starting races, or even advising parents on officiating, there’s nothing this accomplished Life Member doesn’t do.
Read Ruud's full profile here.
About the Community Coach of the Month Award
Commencing in August 2023, the Community Coach of the Month is awarded to a nominated coach who has displayed the following behaviours.
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A dedication to coaching, demonstrating consistent effort and enthusiasm in guiding and mentoring their athletes.
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Strong leadership, demonstrating an ability to inspire, motivate, and empower their athletes on and off the track.
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Serving as a positive role model, exemplifying good sportsmanship, integrity, and ethical behaviour.
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A committment to their own personal growth, engaging in further education, peer learning, and other forms of development.
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Excellence in coaching, resulting in visible improvements in the development of their athletes.
Nominations are made from members of the Athletics community and selected by their State Athletics Association.
