Each year the Australian Rugby Union recognises the efforts and skills of the volunteers who have contributed to the development, promotion and advancement of rugby and this year Wanneroo Junior Rugby Club volunteer Mike Stewart was WA’s nominee.

Nominees were judged on their contribution to Rugby, innovation and leadership, demonstration of Community Rugby participation and their ability to meet a Rugby need at a community, regional, state or national level.

Stewart met and exceeded these requirements through countless hours he has dedicated to his local club including:

  • Mike’s coaching roles in 2010 included the Wanneroo Women’s side and Northern Regional U15s and in the past has coached the Wanneroo U11s, Northern Regional U14s, U10s, and Kingsway Christian College Senior Team (Year 11 and 12).
  • Mike is also the Coaching Coordinator on the Wanneroo Junior Rugby Committee and is in the process of completing Level 2 Coaching qualification.
  • He is the current Team Manager for the WA State U15s.
  • He became a Referee in 2006 and is in the process of completing Level 1 training.
  • Mike was the President of Wanneroo Junior Rugby Club 2006-2007.

RugbyWA CEO Vern Reid commended Stewart’s hard work in the rugby community,

“The ARU Volunteer of the Year Award is a fantastic way to applaud the often unappreciated efforts of those in our rugby community who go above and beyond for not just their local clubs, but for the code as a whole,” Mr Reid said.

“Mike Stewart is an exceptional individual who has dedicated so much of his time to ensuring rugby continues to flourish in Western Australia and we didn’t hesitate to endorse his nomination,” said Mr Reid.

With tough competition from around the country Stewart just missed out on the main award which was presented at the John Eales Medal presentation on October 21 however his efforts in being nominated is worthy recognition alone.

In 2009 Steve Gann from WA was recognised as the national winner.

RugbyWA