Titans Community Awards honour the Gold Coast’s unsung heroes

Outstanding performances in the service of the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers community have been officially recognised at the 2019 Gold Coast Titans Community Awards.

The gala event, held at the Southport Yacht Club, has made its return to the Titans’ social calendar this week to honour the people that go beyond the call of duty to support the community that supports the Titans.

Titans co-owners Brett and Rebecca Frizelle were in attendance, alongside Executive Chairman Dennis Watt and Chief Executive Steve Mitchell.

Seven awards were presented to individuals who made outstanding contributions to their community, with the awards presented by Gold Coast NRL stars, led by captain and the night’s co-host, Ryan James.

The winners of the 2019 Gold Coast Titans Community Awards are:

The Titans Teacher Ambassador of the Year Award, presented by Robina Town Centre – Michael Singh from Merrimac State School

The Titans Teacher Ambassador Program aims to strengthen and flourish the relationship between local schools and the Titans.

The Titans Teacher Ambassador of the Year award recognises a teacher who goes above and beyond their call of duty to promote their local NRL club, and who understands the positive impact the Titans continue to make across the community.

Congratulations Michael!

Titans Indigenous Student of the Year Award – Holly Summers

The Titans Indigenous Award recognises a student involved in any of the Titans various Indigenous programs like School to Work or Deadly Futures.

It recognises a student who demonstrates the Titans RAPT values and has made improvements throughout their journey in the programs.

Congratulations Holly!

Titans V-Crew Member of the Year Award – Terrence Hoare

Volunteers are the life blood of any sporting club and here at the Titans we are no different. As an organisation, we call on and rely on our volunteers regularly to assist with any number of activities including our game day which is amongst the best in the country.

The Titans V-Crew Member of the Year Award recognises a volunteer who has gone above and beyond, represented the Titans.

Congratulations Terrence!

Touch Football Specialised Male and Female Player of the Year Awards, presented by the Robina Lions Club

Female Player of the Year: Courtney Lokeni

Male Player of the Year: Jordan Shepard

The Titans started their partnership with Touch Football Specialised four years ago.

Touch Football Australia recently launched the All Abilities Touch Football Program which was piloted at Burleigh Bears.

Congratulations to both Courtney and Jordan!

The Robina Town Centre Sports Person & Volunteer of the Year Awards recognise and reward those at the heart of the rugby league.

These awards encompass players and volunteers from across the Titans catchment area, which includes the Gold Coast, Northern Rivers and stretches west to Toowoomba.

This year’s major award winners are:

Robina Town Centre Titans Sports Person of the Year Award – Jodi Nathan

Jodi Nathan has been a part of the fabric of the Ormeau RLFC for over 10 years, and was nominated by Deb Coulter.

“Jodi played an integral part in the start-up of our women’s side in 2018 and although she is '40 years young', she is both a player and the captain of our women's team, and has been for the past two years,” Deb said. 

“Jodi is also team manager for one of her five young children’s teams, and has successfully and efficiently managed the team for several consecutive years.

“Despite already taking on several significant roles at the club, when the club was urgently seeking coaching staff for our inaugural girls Under-16 team, Jodi put her hand up and has been a great and positive role model for the girl, ever since.

“She is a positive, energetic and strong woman that encourages the ladies within her team to never give up and promotes a good team culture.

“Her tenacity and never-give-up attitude provides strong leadership to a group of women that have undoubtedly overachieved in 2019, and will make their first Grand Final appearance this year, led by their proud captain, Jodi Nathan.

“The club is truly proud to nominate Jodi Nathan for the 2019 Titans Sports Person of the Year.”

Robina Town Centre Titans Volunteer of the Year Award – Kerry Lee

Kerry has been volunteering in junior rugby league for the past five years, and was nominated by Jennifer Thomson.

“Within the Clarence Coast Magpies, she has worked tirelessly as Secretary to improve the club on a number of levels,” Jennifer said.

“With Kerry’s guidance the culture within the club over the past few years has become more inclusive and positive. Her support of the volunteers and players and their families has been a key part of the clubs continued growth.

“She has provided education for coaches and volunteers, and this has positively impacted on the players as well.

“Kerry's interest is more than just about the players on the field. She looks out for players off field too, and is mindful and respectful that some players come from disadvantaged families.

“Her judgement and discreet manner has seen players provided with clothing and shoes and registration so these children can enjoy being part of a positive sporting community.

“She has also organised transport for players to be able to participate in representative opportunities.

“Kerry is also the Secretary of Group One, and to my knowledge runs the Conduct and Disciplinary Committee, the Rep Committee and Match Committee and has been an advocate for Referees.

“Kerry is well respected across our region due to her hard work, support of all players, volunteers and referees.

“I have found Kerry to be patient and selfless with her time for all clubs, all volunteers and all players.

“I have also found Kerry to be a humble, quiet achiever, who rarely takes credit for the hard work she puts in behind the scenes, year after year.”

In an outstanding field of nominees for these two awards, we congratulate Jodi and Kerry!

The Titans are recognised throughout the NRL for their league-leading dedication to the community, with a range of programs and initiatives that instigate genuine change and support for those that need it most throughout the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers region.

The work of the Titans Community Foundation and the life-changing results being achieved would not be possible without the support of our corporate partners The Coughlan Group, Dreamworld, Robina Town Centre, See Civil, Condev Constructions, Buy Rite Steel, Zambrero restaurants, and Deadly Choices, who share our commitment to creating a better community.

Congratulations to all our winners and nominees, and our thanks to everyone involved for helping to make a better community through your support of the Titans.