Greg Smith and Neil Holmes – photo courtesy of Greg Campbell / Prism Strategic Communications. 

THE NSW Community Sports Awards were held at CommBank Stadium on Thursday night 20th June, recognising outstanding achievements and contributions to community sport in NSW, which is largely carried out by a volunteer workforce.

The Penrith district featured heavily in the awards, with Neil Holmes (Kingswood / Rowing) and Ronald Pollett (Tregear / Little Athletics) both receiving a Distinguished Long Service Award.

Gregory Smith (Cranebrook / Rowing) won the Community Official of the Year Award.

Ronald Pollett was honoured for his decades of dedicated and unselfish service to Little Athletics. For over three decades, he has selflessly dedicated himself to the development and success of the Mount Druitt Little Athletics Centre, officiating at countless events, mentoring fellow officials, and contributing to the growth and improvement of its programs.

His tireless efforts, expertise, and passion for athletics have made a profound impact on the lives of countless young athletes, families, and community members. His leadership, guidance, and commitment to excellence have inspired others to follow in his footsteps and has fostered a culture of inclusivity, respect, and sportsmanship.

Neil Holmes is honoured for his decades of dedicated and unselfish service to Rowing.

He has made a massive contribution to rowing in many capacities at club, state and national level, over several decades, including working as the Finish Timer/Result Compiler for NSWIS/NSW HPP Time Trials for more than 25 years.

Neil is a regular volunteer at Rowing NSW regattas in whatever role is required, most often assisting with driving an umpire’s boat or with bow number distribution.

He is known around the country for his work as Boat Park manager for the Sydney International Regatta Centre/Australian Rowing Championships from 2013-2019 and 2024. Neil is also heavily involved in bump in and bump out for National regattas, particularly with setting up the boat racks in the boat park.

Greg Smith officiated at several major championships, showcasing his leadership and expertise in Rowing officiating. Notable among these was his role as head umpire/president of the jury at the Australian Beach Sprint Championships, a pivotal position as the sport prepares for its debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

His involvement in such prestigious events underscores his significance in advancing the quality and quantity of umpires capable of officiating at the highest levels. His leadership within the Rowing officiating community extends to his significant contributions at major international championships, including the 2023 World Rowing Cup in Zagreb, Croatia, and the 2024 World Rowing Asian, Oceania, Olympic and Paralympic Qualification regatta in Korea.

At the World Rowing Cup, Greg’s expertise was showcased as he fulfilled various pivotal roles, ranging from judge to starter to control commission member. His multi-faceted involvement underscored his versatility and capability to excel in diverse officiating capacities at prestigious international events.

Similarly, in April 2024, Greg officiated at the prestigious 2024 World Rowing Asian and Oceania, Olympic and Paralympic Qualification regatta in Korea. Once again, his expertise was called upon as he undertook multiple roles, including judging, starting, and overseeing control.

Other winners in our region were Colleen Brook (Wilberforce / Rowing), with a Distinguished Long Service Award, Blacktown City Council won Local Council of the Year and Football NSW (Glenwood) shared the Inclusion Achievement of the Year Award.

THE NSW Community Sports Awards were held at CommBank Stadium on Thursday night 20th June, recognising outstanding achievements and contributions to community sport in NSW, which is largely carried out by a volunteer workforce.

The Penrith district featured heavily in the awards, with Neil Holmes (Kingswood / Rowing) and Ronald Pollett (Tregear / Little Athletics) both receiving a Distinguished Long Service Award.

Gregory Smith (Cranebrook / Rowing) won the Community Official of the Year Award.

Ronald Pollett was honoured for his decades of dedicated and unselfish service to Little Athletics. For over three decades, he has selflessly dedicated himself to the development and success of the Mount Druitt Little Athletics Centre, officiating at countless events, mentoring fellow officials, and contributing to the growth and improvement of its programs.

His tireless efforts, expertise, and passion for athletics have made a profound impact on the lives of countless young athletes, families, and community members. His leadership, guidance, and commitment to excellence have inspired others to follow in his footsteps and has fostered a culture of inclusivity, respect, and sportsmanship.

Neil Holmes is honoured for his decades of dedicated and unselfish service to Rowing.

He has made a massive contribution to rowing in many capacities at club, state and national level, over several decades, including working as the Finish Timer/Result Compiler for NSWIS/NSW HPP Time Trials for more than 25 years.

Neil is a regular volunteer at Rowing NSW regattas in whatever role is required, most often assisting with driving an umpire’s boat or with bow number distribution.

He is known around the country for his work as Boat Park manager for the Sydney International Regatta Centre/Australian Rowing Championships from 2013-2019 and 2024. Neil is also heavily involved in bump in and bump out for National regattas, particularly with setting up the boat racks in the boat park.

Greg Smith officiated at several major championships, showcasing his leadership and expertise in Rowing officiating. Notable among these was his role as head umpire/president of the jury at the Australian Beach Sprint Championships, a pivotal position as the sport prepares for its debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

His involvement in such prestigious events underscores his significance in advancing the quality and quantity of umpires capable of officiating at the highest levels. His leadership within the Rowing officiating community extends to his significant contributions at major international championships, including the 2023 World Rowing Cup in Zagreb, Croatia, and the 2024 World Rowing Asian, Oceania, Olympic and Paralympic Qualification regatta in Korea.

At the World Rowing Cup, Greg’s expertise was showcased as he fulfilled various pivotal roles, ranging from judge to starter to control commission member. His multi-faceted involvement underscored his versatility and capability to excel in diverse officiating capacities at prestigious international events.

Similarly, in April 2024, Greg officiated at the prestigious 2024 World Rowing Asian and Oceania, Olympic and Paralympic Qualification regatta in Korea. Once again, his expertise was called upon as he undertook multiple roles, including judging, starting, and overseeing control.

Other winners in our region were Colleen Brook (Wilberforce / Rowing), with a Distinguished Long Service Award, Blacktown City Council won Local Council of the Year and Football NSW (Glenwood) shared the Inclusion Achievement of the Year Award.