Jenny Bailey is the toast of Lambton after being recognised for her many years of service to football in the region.
The enduring volunteer was presented a Distinguished Long Service Award at the 2024 NSW Community Sports Awards at CommBank Stadium on Wednesday 19 June.
Bailey, one of 21 recipients from a wide cross-section of sports, collected the accolade from NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper following decades of dedicated and unselfish service to the round-ball code.
She’s served on the committee, in various roles, with the Lambton Jaffas Junior Football Club for 34 years, earning life membership.
Her familiar face is around the ground several days a week, especially on match days providing advice, assisting referees and coaches, assisting in the canteen, and making sure all participants are having an enjoyable experience.
In 2017, Bailey was also awarded life membership of Newcastle Football for her commitment to the club and football in general.
Sport NSW chairperson Chris Hall congratulated her on the plaudit.
“Volunteers such as Jenny are the backbone of grassroots and community sport,” he said.
“So, it is fitting these Distinguished Long Service Award recipients are recognised and honoured.
“We thank them for their years of selfless dedication, which has enabled generations of boys and girls, men and women to participate in sport and enjoy the life skills, social benefits and community spirit that it provides.
“Sport has the unique unifying ability to bring people of different cultures and backgrounds together.
“At the centre are the army of volunteers who each week dedicate themselves to ensure the games are played, the fields are marked, the canteen is stocked and the barbeque is sizzling.
“Sport is at the heart of our local communities and, quite simply, it would not exist without our magnificent and generous helpers.”
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