2015 Champions Dinner: The AFL’s West Coast Eagles were one of four award recipients at this years’ SCA’s National Champions Dinner at the MCG. They were awarded the Compassion Australia “Compassion in Sport” award for their clubs long-term community work in Cambodia with the Tabitha Foundation.

Club representative Paul Morrison conveyed CEO Trevor Nisbett sentiments saying the club was “Extremely proud to be acknowledged for something we do, that is not a chore, but a pleasure.” Since 2010 players, coaches, staff and families have regularly contributed to the program.

Other award winners included the ACS Personal Insurance Building Stronger Communities Award awarded to the Australian Drug Foundation’s Good Sport Program. CEO John Rogerson expressed his great appreciation for the 7000 sports clubs around Australia who have engaged with the program saying it “Continues to help communities navigate through tough issues like binge drinking and mental health.”

CAMS the Confederation of Australian Motor Sports took-out the SCA & EFL Values in Sport award for their ongoing commitment to members and participants wellbeing. CAMS official and former Formula One driver Tim Schenken acknowledged the work of Race Chaplains like Garry Coleman and Mark Bateman and the importance of supporting people in motor sports.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy humbly received the Annual Friend of SCA Award saying he was “Very grateful and somewhat overwhelmed with receiving the award.” For the past 13 years Bellamy has shown terrific support toward his club chaplain Grant Stewart and been a lively advocate for better support and care for players in the NRL and feeder competitions after a number of recent deaths.

Master of Ceremonies Glenn Ridge welcomed Darren Smith and Will Minson from Red Dust Role Models. After interviewing a number of guests like Tim Argyle from the VCFA discussing the integration of club chaplains echoed his personal appreciation the Aussie Targa chaplains.

The night was capped-off with former Australian Wallabies Rugby Union Captain Nick Farr-Jones sharing stories on his rugby, captaincy, faith and sporting life lessons. Stating, “Everyone needs to play their role and not always look to score the winning try.”

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