2024 Geraldton Guardian Mid West Sport Awards: Mayor Jerry Clune on this year’s theme of game changers

Who would fit the bill as a “game changer” when it comes to the Mid West sports scene? Would it be someone whose sporting feats are so impressive they have set a new standard for others to follow? Or could it be a volunteer or administrator behind the scenes whose tireless and quiet work has helped a sport evolve, allowing others to flourish? Could it be someone with decades of experience or involvement in a sport, or someone whose impact has been more immediate? According to city of Greater Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune, it’s all of the above. “Game changers” is the theme of the 2024 Geraldton Guardian Mid West Sports Awards to be held later this month. Mr Clune encompasses the traits of a game changer himself, having been involved in a multitude of changes on the local sports scene. Growing up in Geraldton, Mr Clune has been around sports for decades. He has seen it all, from Jeff Lawson bowling for Australia A against a country week side in Geraldton at the Rec, to Chapman Valley breaking their 32-year footy drought earlier this year. Mr Clune said the sporting precincts in Geraldton used not to be anywhere near what they are now. Athletes and the community now have access to a plethora of sporting opportunities, from equestrian activities to lawn bowls to footy. “We’d like to think that, from the city’s point of view, the facilities are a lot better than what they were,” he said. “There is certainly a wide range of sports to choose from with the variety of the facilities we have here in town. “I think if you can’t find a sport that’s your niche, I think you’ve been pretty choosy.” Community passion for sport has prompted the council to take action over the years, improving facilities and providing aspiring athletes with avenues to pursue their sporting dreams here in Geraldton. Mr Clune places a great deal of importance on sport in the community. “It’s a lifeblood of rural towns,” he said. “Sport keeps people active and engaging with each other. “And it’s not only about the athletes. It’s also about the administrators and volunteers, too.” The Mid West Sport Federation is placing a great deal of importance on these volunteers and administrators, fitting in with this year’s theme. Mr Clune said it was often the quiet achievers that kept the ship afloat. “The people that do all the hidden work, behind sporting clubs that just do the volunteering, do the administration around funding, and resourcing to improve facilities,” he said. “If you can improve the facilities and attract more people to the club, it is all for the betterment of the community and is largely down to the administrators and volunteers of these clubs.” The 52nd Mid West Sports Awards will be held on Saturday November 30 at the Wintersun Hotel. To buy tickets visit https://events.humanitix.com/geraldton-guardian-mid-west-sports-awards.