Sport
25 November, 2024
Commitment to industry recognised
A LOCAL couple have been recognised for their dedication and contribution to the world of sailing at a recent awards night, earning themselves a Queensland Volunteer of the Year Award and were listed as one of three finalists for the National Award, on top of running their own business.
Roger and Annette Wadley (pictured) have been involved with the Tinaroo Sailing Club for 15 years and after being honoured with a life membership in June for their “exceptional contributions and relentless commitment”, they capped off the year with a Queensland Award at the Australian Sailing Awards in Sydney.
In addition to the countless hours the Wadley’s have invested to the sailing club, they also manage and run their own business, Atherton Gas and Camping.
“We were quite humbled to win the Queensland Award. Now everyone in the Wadley family has won a Queensland sailing award, with our three children receiving awards over the years,” Annette said.
Roger and Annette’s journey at the club began when they rejoined in 2009 after they moved back to the Tablelands.
Their love of sailing continued through all three of their children, who all sail and compete at a high level and have all won world championships over the years.
Roger has served as the commodore of the club for the past six years and has been on the management committee for the three years prior to that.
Annette has been the executive committee, serving as secretary for five years, treasurer for four years and has also been the membership secretary for nine years.
Her ability to secure grants for the club has brought over $360,000 in funding to the club, enabling the upgrade of facilities, the purchasing of new equipment, expanding programs for volunteers and this year included funding for a new female toilet, shower block and all-ability amenities.
“Roger and Annette exemplify the spirit of selfless dedication. It really is a joint effort with those two, both are instrumental in keeping this wonderful club going.
“Their passion for the club and sailing, combined with their unwavering commitment to their community, makes them truly deserving of the Volunteer of the Year Award,” Tinaroo Sailing Club committee member Benjamin Rankine said.
