Michael Koellner from Ballina Seagulls RLFC wins NSW Volunteer of the Year

Michael won the award for making his club stronger and more family-friendly by going above and beyond the usual undertakings of a volunteer.   

He's been part of the Ballina Seagulls family for around 40 years.

“Without Michael, our club would not be where it is today. He works tirelessly for the club, always giving of his time to make sure that it can be the best it can with the limited resources we have,” said Vice President, Max Beecher.  

Hosted by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation at Parliament House, Canberra in February 2023, the Awards ceremony recognised Good Sports clubs and their dedicated volunteers from across the country who are passionate about community, their members and making their club the very best it can be.

Four decades of dedication

The club said Michael was once team captain and led the club to a premiership. He was commended for being ‘instrumental’ in building the current clubhouse, with the club saying he plays an important role in maintaining or fixing items that require urgent attention.  

“There are hundreds of jobs, like the returfing our field, that Michael has done for the club. Michael is always first to arrive and last to leave when work needs doing around the club on game day, and on any day work needs to be done,” Max explained.  

“The game of Rugby League is a greater game because of the involvement of Michael Koellner. He is one of the most generous, unassuming men I have had the privilege of knowing. He is always there to lend a hand not just for Rugby League, but the Ballina Shire community. This region is all the better for a champion man like Michael Koellner.”