Richmond has recognised its outstanding staff, players and volunteers who have best role-modelled the Club’s four values of United, Relentless, Disciplined and Aware in its annual Bunjil Awards.
This is the sixth year of the Club’s annual peer-voted Bunjil Awards, and this year’s awards are represented by the Turtle, inspired by Richmond’s 2019 Dreamtime guernsey, designed by Daniel Rioli together with his parents.
The turtle is Rioli’s totem, and is the dreaming and spirit animal of the Rioli family.
Richmond CEO, Brendon Gale said the Bunjil Awards are a reminder how important and valued Richmond people are to the Club and its subsidiary businesses.
“I congratulate each of the Bunjil recipients, they’re wonderful people, and we’re very blessed to have so many great people at this football club,” he said.
“Dreamtime week is very special to us, and it’s a fitting time to celebrate the contribution of our staff, volunteers and players.”
View this post on InstagramDreamtime lunch with Melbourne Indigenous Transition School #SirDougNichollsRound
2019 Bunjil Award recipients:
Player Award
Finalists: Alana Woodward (VFLW), Steve Morris (VFL), Yasmina McGlone (VWFL)
Winner: Kane Lambert
Nominated for:
- “Kane lives and breathes, embodies and role models” the team and Club values and behaviours, displaying them both on and off the field, and is “the epitome of the Richmond Man”
- Shows care for staff and teammates, especially the younger players who he is a role model for. He is approachable and genuinely wants the best for others
- Brings people together across the Club, and has built great rapport with staff. He is aware of and plays his role in football, with fans and across all departments: for example, he recently worked with an administration staff member to reach out to a player sponsor going through a difficult time
- Disciplined and relentless in his self-improvement. He is the “hardest worker on the team” and attacks on and off-field tasks to be the best footballer he can be
- He is selfless, genuine, humble, thoughtful, respectful, and always shows integrity
Richmond Staff Award:
Winner: Angela Booth, Financial Accountant
Nominated for:
- A crucial member of the team, Angela quietly and consistently plays her role for the Club, leading others by teaching and coaching. In sharing her extensive knowledge, she has helped others to develop and improve team efficiency as a whole
- Angela is relentless and disciplined in approach to her work. Always pushing for new and improved ways to do her job, she is committed to personal and professional development, not just for herself but to improve effectiveness across the Club
- Beyond her day to day work, Angela is quick to lend a hand across departments and assists everyone in any way she can
- Angela is always involved in Club activities and celebrations. She not only celebrates the achievements of the Club and others, but offers positive feedback to those involved
Casual / Volunteer Award:
Winner: Mike Petrescu, VFLW Property Coordinator
Nominated for:
- Mike is relentless and disciplined, working hard and going above and beyond to make sure everyone has anything and everything that they need
- He always puts players first with kindness and care, and “will literally take the shirt off his own back for you”
- Award nominators remarked on his positive attitude - his enthusiasm and passion for his role is clear when he “always delivers with a smile”
- “He’s passionate about his job and takes great pride in it. He ensures everything is always right and that everyone has what they need”
Aligned Leisure Staff Award:
Finalists: Kathryn Walters (Nillumbik), Rachel Vyner (Albury Wodonga), Bonnie Cox (Mildura)
Winner: Paige Kristalyn, Centre Manager, Cardinia
Nominated for:
- Paige creates a positive team culture, is always welcoming and positive and makes all staff feel part of the team, making the effort to get to know them on both a personal and professional level
- Paige celebrates achievements across the centre, whether its Swim School enrolments or White Ribbon organisational accreditation. She not only celebrates but recognises the role that each and every person has played in these achievements
- “She has always, and continues to model our values not just to staff, members and guests, but to our whole community”
- “It’s not uncommon for members to make comment on how well Paige represents herself and her members and guests”
