Kirsten Bolinger
Public relations editorial assistant
Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia
Avondale College is strengthening a longstanding relationship with a Lake Macquarie-based Australian Rules Football club by sponsoring its best and fairest awards.
John Janissen of the Lake Macquarie Crows presents the Community Challenge trophy to students from Avondale College in recognition of the students’ win in the annual preseason game this year. Credit: Ann Stafford.
Some of the $500 Avondale is giving to the Lake Macquarie Crows may one day end up in the pockets of Avondale students, who have, in the past, registered as players with the club. “We’re supporting a community organisation and encouraging our students to get involved in a healthy activity,” says director of advancement Lorin Bradford. “It’s exciting.”
Avondale also plays a preseason game against the Crows’ first-grade team each year. In recognition of their win this year, the students received the perpetual Community Challenge trophy from the senior club’s vice-president, John Janissen, during Festival of Faith this past week. “We honour the commitment these boys make to us,” said John during the presentation. “The enthusiasm they bring when they play comes in busloads.”
Avondale team captain Ilisavani Ratu is just as complimentary. “They make us feel at home there [at the club].”
The Crows, established in 1997, is the youngest club in the Black Diamond Australian Football League. While most of the Avondale students who registered in the past played for the reserve-grade team, several were selected for the first-grade team. This team represents Lake Macquarie in the Black Diamond Cup, the highest level of competition in the Central Coast and Hunter regions. With most of the club’s regular season games scheduled on Saturdays, the Sabbath-keeping students chose not to play on that day.