Sport
29 October, 2022
Badu Island teacher wins community football award
LAURA Loucks has been awarded the AFL Primary School Teacher of the Year for Tagai State College – Badu Island Campus by volunteering with AFL Cape York.
The National Volunteer of the Year Awards are presented by Toyota as Premier Partner of the AFL and a proud supporter of Australia’s game.
From the grassroots to the elite, volunteers were recognised.
The annual awards recognise volunteers across Australia who have made outstanding contributions to community football.
All NAB AFL Auskick centres, schools, community clubs and leagues in each state and territory were invited to participate, with more than 1,000 nominations received nationally.
“Well, it was a massive shock. I had no idea that I was being nominated,” Laura said.
Ms Loucks said she feels fortunate to volunteer and said it’s truly a team effort.
One of the biggest challenges staff and volunteers face are associated with organising sport across 48,000 square kilometres. Still, they have slowly and steadily worked on advocating for the communities and ensuring the children have equal access to sport and education like the rest of the nation.
Ms Loucks said this accolade could bring more visibility to the necessities and challenges of the College.
“It’s a nice win for everyone because it puts a great highlight on the needs and issues up here about accessing sport, home country, and also being able to work in partnerships with Tagai State College and AFL Cape York,” she said.
Ms Loucks grew up in the small rural town of Chesley, Canada but has now called Badu Island home for over eight years.
She is the Torres Strait’s first-ever outer-island SWD (students with a disability) teacher and commenced teaching on Warraber Island as a grade four-to-six teacher.
Ms Loucks immediately began building relationships with the community by running after-school sports, including Australian Football League.
“Thanks to AFL for their continued commitment through sport,” she said.
“It’s a very inclusive model that every child gets an experience of playing sport.
“By providing the sporting delivery opportunities, they are opening more doors for our kids to have choices in the future.”
As part of the award, Laura received tickets to the 2022 Toyota AFL Grand Final, all expenses paid, with a guest, and three nights of accommodation.
The nine national category winners also took part in the Toyota AFL Grand Final Parade in Melbourne.
