One of Wandin Football Netball Club’s (FNC) favourite members has won a volunteer award at local MP Aaron Violi’s Casey Volunteer and Community Awards.
Stephen Pollock, better known as Stretch, received the coveted award for his complete dedication to Wandin, being an all round solid bloke, and the club’s “go-to guy”.
The federal member for Casey hosted the popular awards night on Saturday 8 November where 70 individuals and three community groups were awarded for their contribution to the electorate.
Wandin Football Netball Club vice president Stretch said it felt great to receive the award and was grateful for being nominated by the club’s chef, Melissa Hor.
“I wasn’t sure if I’d won one or whether I got to runner up or whatever,” Stretch said.
Though Stretch had won an award – and for good reason, considering the extent of his work at the club – he immediately turned to focus on the other winners in the room.
It was an insight into his selfless and humble nature.
“Obviously there’s a lot of people there that won awards and a lot of people that have done a lot of things.
“They’re all winners in that room,” he said.
Mr Violi said it was an honour to celebrate the heart of our community and provide some well-deserved recognition.
“Local volunteers are the people who continuously show up and dedicate their time to make our community the strong, connected place we’re so proud to call home.
“Our volunteers and community groups give so much without ever asking a thing in return,” Mr Violi said.
Stretch lives and breathes Wandin and has been a part of the club for roughly 15 years, where he’s been involved in practically everything.
From handling manual labor, manning the bar, writing sponsorship applications, recruiting members and helping out in the kitchen, he really is the club’s “go-to guy”.
“Whatever else has to be done, I’ll just do it,” Stretch said.
Earlier this year, Stretch helped install two electronic scoreboards for the football and netball grounds, which was funded by Community Bank Wandin-Seville.
“We virtually built it and fitted it all out and wired it.
“I’ve done a new scoreboard for netball too. Same thing – excavated, put conduits, fiber links and everything in, did all that. So that was another project.
“I do a lot with sponsors, I do a little bit of recruiting, I do everything – anything needs to be done, I’ll do it,” he said.
His prolific nature stems from his love for the club.
“I love talking to the locals. I love talking to the players. I love talking to all the people we deal with. I open the bar on a Friday night. I love talking to all those people. I just love the job.”
At the awards night, Stretch said he was surrounded by a room full of good people.
“There’s firefighters, volunteers, a lot of people who really put their heart and soul on the line
“I do it for a footy club, which is basically a community situation, but there’s a lot of people that just roll up their sleeves and get into it,” he said.
Looking forward, he has no plans to stop doing what he does best.
“There’s always something that needs attention.”
