SA volunteers shine on the big stage

13 October 2025

SANFL congratulates Toyota AFL National Volunteer Award winners Tom Starkey (Diversity Ambassador of the Year) from Ngutu College, and Brooke Faulds (Community Coach of the Year – Female) from the Kilburn Football Club. 

Both Brooke and Tom received a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final, where they soaked up the incredible atmosphere of the last Saturday in September and participated in the Toyota Grand Final Parade.

Brooke Faulds plays a pivotal role in the growth of female coach development at Kilburn Football Club. She is a passionate and forward-thinking leader and has committed herself to creating opportunities for women to step confidently into coaching roles.

Through her proactive approach and inclusive leadership, Brooke has helped to establish a welcoming environment where female coaches are empowered to learn, lead, and grow.

She leads by example – often offering guidance, sharing knowledge, and building the confidence of emerging female coaches within the Kilburn Football Club.

Brooke’s work includes not only developing individual coaches but also helping shift the culture toward greater gender equality in community football, with her efforts laying the foundation for stronger, more diverse coaching pathways at Kilburn and beyond.

Tom Starkey, a PE teacher at Ngutu College, is a champion for inclusion.

Recognising the challenges his community faces, Tom has removed the barriers of cost and logistics by sourcing playing kits and umpires free of charge, allowing his students to participate in a knockout football competition, an opportunity they may not have had otherwise.

Tom also ensured Ngutu College was one of only 10 schools statewide to attend the Gather Round Schools Day at Adelaide Oval, giving his students a powerful experience at the heart of the sport.

He (Tom) also regularly invites SANFL into the school to connect students with the game and its pathways. He is now working toward forming Ngutu’s inaugural football team for the Term Four competition, further extending opportunities for inclusion and representation.

Tom’s passion, resourcefulness, and unwavering commitment has made football at Ngutu not just possible, but exciting and empowering for his students.

“Footy Clubs are the heartbeat of so many towns and communities across Australia, and it is only made possible by the passionate and dedicated volunteers who give up their time each week for our game and for their community,” AFL Executive General Manager Game Development, Rob Auld said.

“With over 220,000 volunteers in Australia, the Toyota National Volunteer of the Year Awards highlight some of the most impactful individuals and clubs.

“I’d would like to acknowledge and recognise the very generous and genuine commitment from Toyota to the game at all levels, their contribution allows for these awards to be lifelong and cherished moments for all the winners.”