Each one has been appointed as a Sport Volunteer of the Year Award finalist following a record 138 nominations.

Before the winner is announced, let's take a look at their tremendous contribution to sport.

Cristelle Mulvogue: Collingwood Park Power AFC

Since first putting her hand up to help in 2017, Cristelle (CJ) Mulvogue has made a profound impact on the Collingwood Park Power AFC in Brisbane.

According to its members she ‘keeps the club running’ and has taken on countless roles from coaching to fundraising to working the canteen.

One of her biggest accomplishments is helping grow female participation from four members in 2021 to 32 last season.

“It’s always a team effort and I am very well supported in my club and by AFL Queensland. I am very passionate about my footy and in particular getting women and girls playing,” said CJ.

Other achievements include expanding their Auskick Program from eight participants to 69, launching their first U13 team in 25 years and creating opportunities for children with disabilities to participate.

Despite all these achievements, being recognised as a finalist came as a total shock.

“I am very humbled and a little overwhelmed.  I volunteer because I am very passionate about my footy and I love seeing the kids grow and develop as players and as people and have never expected any accolades for it, let alone something on this level.”

Julie Keillor: Shepparton Canoe Club

According to the Shepparton Canoe Club in Victoria Julie Keillor ‘embodies the true spirit of volunteerism’.

While Julie has supported the club through countless roles, one of her biggest victories has been cultivating a culture of inclusivity through their ‘All Abilities Paddling Program’.

“The programs’ success is built on the belief that sport should be for everyone, and we’ve worked hard to adapt the sport to suit different needs,” shared Julie.

Julie has helped grow the program from three participants to 28 within the space of 12 months.

Some are first-time paddlers who Julie steers with a gentle approach.

"We never push anyone beyond their comfort zone," said Julie. "We start in shallow water, demonstrate safety features and always promise to return to shore if someone feels uncomfortable.

“But almost invariably, after the first few meters, participants are eager to continue their paddling adventure. Then we go and look for turtles”.

Others in the program are experienced athletes who Julie helps unlock their full potential. From customising training plans to adapting their equipment, there’s nothing she can’t do.

One notable example is Para paddler Shawn Treacy who’s progressed to competing in Victorian Marathon races. Julie helped adapt his TK1 craft to use steering strokes rather than a conventional rudder.

“While his unique steering technique means he takes a slightly different path, we've worked with race organisers to ensure his safety with a flashing light vest and pre-race briefings. Shawn's determination shows what's possible when we focus on abilities rather than limitations.”

Achievements that made Julie a very worthy recipient of this national award.

“While I'm deeply honoured by this recognition, the real success story is seeing our all-abilities paddling community flourish. Every new participant who discovers the joy of paddling represents a barrier broken and a life enriched through sport."

Brendon Oliver-Ewen: Hobart Out Tennis Club (HOTC)

Brendon Oliver-Ewen’s impact on the entire sports community in Tasmania can’t be understated.

After helping establish the Hobart Out Tennis Club (HOTC), it’s grown to become the state’s largest LGBTQIA+ sporting club.

“Playing sport as a queer person can be hard, it can be a pretty tough environment for us to be open and honest...so we wanted to create a safe space where everyone could come together, regardless of gender or sexuality, and play sport knowing that they'd be accepted,” said Brendon.

His efforts have encouraged other local sports clubs to create more inclusive environments.

“The second goal was to work with the rest of the sporting community down here in Tasmania to break down misconceptions and create common opportunities for everyone to come together,” shared Brendon.

“I have seen that transition to clubs proudly displaying rainbow flags to show they are inclusive, update their websites, fly rainbow flags, change their membership forms to be gender-confirming and not presume a spouse or partner is of the opposite gender, host us for roadshows, and extend that inclusivity not just for queer people but for different minority groups.

In true volunteer spirit, Brendon wishes to share the recent recognition with others.

“I was shocked. I'm still shocked. I mainly feel so undeserving, so many members of the Tasmanian community have contributed to this movement and in my dreams, 1/1000th of the nomination could be split up and given to each of them. But to be able to represent this community? That feels... incredible. I am so proud to be in their number.”

David Conran: Centenary Archers Club

In just three short years David Conran has been instrumental in boosting membership and morale at the Centenary Archers Club in Brisbane.

His passion for developing future stars led to the creation of the ‘Talent Encouragement Fund’ which ensures emerging archers can compete and progress in the sport.

“Being able to help others is one of the greatest rewards in life. Seeing the young kids develop into representing themselves, the club, their state and our country right before my eyes is very rewarding,” shared David.

David is known as the ‘go-to-person' at the club and is heavily involved in all aspects from management through to working bees.

“What motivates me? A combination of passion to improve things...a sense of giving back to the community. In short, I enjoy making other people's lives easier and better.”

One of his key strengths is fostering new talent through the club’s ‘come and try’ sessions and creating an environment which encourages them to return.

“I find if I instill fun and humour into the session, rather than just the official-yet-more-boring methods, I get a greater buy-in from the athlete, thus they really do want to participate as much as possible.”

While David doesn't feel deserving of the national recognition, he’s happy to promote an important message.

“Giving help where help is needed is what I want to see in the world. Your local volunteer organisation needs you! It's unlikely to get better without your help and involvement. If something isn't working well, chances are they need your help.

“Every time you donate your time and effort, it will make your life better, and most likely several-fold more people too."