Amidst thunderous applause and a heartfelt standing ovation, local legend Tony Norton was honoured for an astonishing 70 years of service and his enormous contribution to the Campbelltown City Kangaroos Rugby League Football Club at the annual Wests Group Macarthur Sports Volunteer of the Year Awards 2026.
Decades of loyalty, passion and commitment to grassroots sport and community were celebrated throughout the evening, vibrantly compered by former Olympian Sarah Ryan and featuring an engaging Q&A with Luke Brattan and Matt Jurman.
A beautiful reminder that behind every successful sporting community are the volunteers who quietly dedicate their lives to lifting others.
Hosted by Wests Group Macarthur during National Volunteer Week, the fifth annual awards welcomed almost 350 guests to recognise the remarkable individuals who keep community sport thriving across the Macarthur region.
More than 120 volunteers from over 30 sporting organisations were acknowledged, representing an extraordinary 128 decades of combined service.
Wests Group Macarthur Chairman Alan Buxton said it was a privilege to recognise the region’s sporting volunteers.
“It was an honour once again to recognise the incredible contributions of more than 100 outstanding sporting volunteers,” Buxton said.
He added that Tony Norton’s seven decades of dedication made him a fitting recipient of the evening’s highest recognition.
The Youth Volunteer of the Year award went to Grace Firth from Varroville Netball Club.
At just 19, Grace balances university studies with coaching, umpiring, mentoring young officials and helping manage club operations, earning widespread admiration for her commitment and leadership.
Adult Volunteer of the Year honours were awarded to Gordon Costello from Eschol Park Little Athletics Club.
For more than 35 years, Gordon has dedicated countless hours to coaching, officiating, maintaining facilities and supporting athletes across the South West, becoming one of the region’s most respected sporting volunteers.
As the standing ovation for Tony Norton showed, while trophies may be won on the field, it is volunteers who remain the true champions of community sport.
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