16-01-2023
The following is a list of nominees for Sportsperson of the Year for the Upper Lachlan Shire 2023 Australia Day Awards.
Sportsperson of the Year 2023
Rona is an all-round sporting inspiration to any who know her both in the hearing world and the deaf community where she has achieved an incredible amount in sport. Rona is profoundly deaf but in no way does this interfere with her dedication to being a team player. She also has been or is involved in Women’s general “hearing” teams such as North Canberra Gungahlin Cricket Team, Western Creek Molonglo Cricket team, Dragon Volleyball Club Team and the Hall Bushrangers Rugby Union Team.
She is an inspiring in dividual who has flown under the radar for so long and deserves recognition for the outstanding sportsperson she is. Rona has represented Australia in many sports competing in Deaf Games on several occasions: Australian Deaf Rugby Union v England in Sydney, Australian Deaf Beach Volleyball in Japan during the International Tournament, also at the Nationals in Melbourne. Reap for Deaf Futsal Team in Australian Championships both here and in New Zealand. She has also played at the same high national and international level in various other sports as well as participating in the online European Deaf Women’s Chess Championships… the list could go on but there is no room except to say that on top of all of her achievements, Rona is an inspiring and effervescent lady.
- Captain of the 2022 Crookwell Green Devils Rugby League Premiership team.
- Vice President of the Crookwell Green devils 2022 committee.
- Committee member and volunteer for many years.
- Highest point scorer for the Green devils and ended up third highest for the George Tooke Shield competition.
Dion captained the Crookwell Green Devils to the 2022 George Tooke Shield premiership. He was the club’s highest point scorer for the season and third for the whole competition. In the final series he kicked 18 goals from 19 attempts for a total of 127 points for the year. Dion has played 111 senior games for the club and is known for his sportsmanship, leadership and ability as a player – an asset to the club and team.