AFL stalwarts, Jim Woodlock and Mark Kelly were recognised for their services to sport on the North Coast at the recent Australia Day awards.
Woodlock was the recipient of the Senior Sports Award to which Kelly was a fellow nominee.
Woodlock emigrated to Coffs Harbour in 1986, after a distinguished career as a player and coach, and later, Life Member in the Mornington Peninsula Football League. It did not take long before he became involved in the local administration, becoming President of the North Coast League in 1988. In 2008, after twenty years in the role, Woodlock took a small step back to become the AFL North Coast's Football Operations Manager.
Over the years, the 2000 Australian Sports Medallist has overseen the development of Junior AFL in the area, as well as the formation of the Under 18s competition and the Grafton and Nambucca Valley AFL clubs.
The former teacher's passion for sport also shines through with his continued involvement on the COFFSAC committee and the BCU International Stadium Board.
"I have always wanted to see young people play sport and being able to provide top-level facilities is crucial in achieving that aim," Woodlock said.
"AFL has developed a great deal over the years and is heading in the right direction due to the hard work of a number of people."
Amongst the hard workers is Kelly, who has also been involved in the local AFL fraternity for over twenty years.
Previously a player, coach and manager, Kelly turned his hand to football administration with the North Coffs Kangaroos and has been a vital component of the club's development into one of the powerhouses of the local competition.
He was the NSW/ACT AFL Volunteer of the Year in 2008, and last year was inducted as a AFL North Coast Life Member.
Last Modified on 08/02/2010 21:32