Northern NSW Football’s own Brett Hodgekiss has been recognised for his achievements and community spirit as part of Coffs Harbour’s annual Australia Day awards.
Hodgekiss, pictured with his wife Jo and daughters Rosie and Ella, joined NNSWF as its Club Development Officer last year. He juggles his full-time job with his role as Coffs City United FC club president.
Hodgekiss has spent countless hours volunteering at his community football club in many different roles. But none more rewarding than watching Coffs City United grow into one of the largest clubs in the region, with female participation at an all-time high leading into this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
He has championed the development of female football at Coffs City United FC and the north coast region, as well as working for state and national bodies to further the game in northern NSW.
Hodgekiss received an Australia Day Awards 2023 – Sport and Recreation Award, which was announced at a ceremony at the North Coast Region Botanic Garden where 98 new Australians also received their citizenship.
Hodgekiss said he was proud of the honour.
“It was really rewarding to be recognised at a time when I believe championing volunteers within sporting clubs is crucial,” Hodgekiss said.
“I have always had my family’s support so this honour is theirs too. I love the game and will never stop putting back.”
Sawtell Football Club’s Simon Portus was also honoured with a Sport and Recreation Award.
Portus was instrumental in the redevelopment of Toormina Oval as well as making Sawtell FC a leader in female football in northern NSW.
The club saw significant growth in female player numbers from 32 per cent in 2021 to 36 per cent in just one year. That number was particularly impressive given the average across the North Coast Football member zone which is 28 per cent.
“It was an honour to congratulate all the award nominees, those absolute heroes who do so much for our community and who were nominated by their peers for an Australia Day Award,” Coffs Harbour Mayor Councillor Paul Amos said.
“No award nominee is the kind of person to big note themselves so it’s great to see them getting the kind of recognition they really deserve.”
