The Wagga Wagga Crows have been honoured at the Rugby Australia Awards in Sydney as the first ever Club of the Year recipient. The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies congratulate the Crows, who fall under the ACT and Southern NSW banner.
"The Cadbury Club of the Year Award recognises a club that positively impacts its community, fosters an environment that is safe and inclusive, and supports the volunteers who make it all happen," said Rugby Australia.
"The Wagga Crows have fostered a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment by driving strong values, building positive club culture, and prioritising respect among all players and parents. They live their values of inclusivity by providing financial support for players who may not otherwise have the means to participate."
"They offer fantastic support to Southern Inland Rugby Union and the ACT Brumbies through School Gala Days and the junior competition, and continue to drive fundraising for the redevelopment of Conolly Rugby Park."
Wagga Wagga Crows Vice President Drew Hawkins says the award is greatly humbling and credits joint effort from the club when discussing honours.
"People have built the club before the current committee and we are just continuing to move forward off that," said Hawkins.
"We have a great foundation from the committees before us. Hats off to those who started the crows, every club wants to leave the club better than what they started, and I think everyone has managed that. It's not just the committee it takes coaches, volunteers and the players themselves to make this work."
"It was really nice initially, but I think it sunk in even more over the week of how big a deal this is."
A key reason for the clubs selection was their efforts in driving strong values, building positive club culture, and prioritising respect among all players and parents. They also go above and beyond by providing financial support for players who may not otherwise have the means to participate."
"We've got a diverse club but we want to create an environment that gives kids the opportunity to learn through rugby. One of the reasons rugby is so great is that it provides both specifically rugby skills and life skills of being social, teamwork and respect," said Hawkins.
"It was very humbling to be acknowledged by both ex and current wallabies, to have the likes of James Slipper to saying great work to us truly goes a long way and gives us that reassurance that we are definitely heading in the right direction."
"Our focus now is to continue with the plan, have the acknowledgment and validation is amazing but now we want to keep moving forward and bring in more people to the club, and continue helping out those who may need help financially in order to participate."
"The support from the Brumbies has been great, having Stephen Larkham and Alicia Lucas (Aussie 7s) attend our rugby lunch recently was amazing and greatly rewarding for the club. It's really important to have that connection and it makes a huge difference to the kids both at the club and the wider region."
