Waverley Little Athletics Centre Inc.

Good afternoon Waverley LAC Families & Community,

It's my absolute pleasure to announce, that two Waverley Life Members have received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), in the general division, awarded in the 2022 Queen's Birthday Honours. 

On behalf of the Waverley Committee and Little Athletics abroad, I would like to congratulate my great friends and mentors, WLAC Life Members and LAVic Life Governors, Steven Lopes, and Nicole Lopes, in recognition of their 22 years of dedication and service to Little Athletics. What a tremendous honour! 

Congratulations Steven and Nicole!! Such a proud moment and wonderful achievement for you both, your family, friends, and everyone who knows you. We sincerely thank you for your years of community service at all levels of our association. 

Only a handful of Victorian Little Athletics volunteers have been awarded an Order of Australia, or similar national honour. Trevor Billingham was the first Little Athletics volunteer, awarded the British Empire Medal in 1972 (MBE), an imperial award which preceded the current Order of Australia awards. Most recently, the late Bruce Reynolds and Laurie Barnett were awarded an Order of Australia in 2021 for their voluntary services.

Steven and Nicole have both been involved in Little Athletics for 22 years, starting at Waverley in 2000 as Age Group assistants. Steven served on the WLAC Committee from 2002/05 and was President 2003/05. Nicole never served on the Committee but volunteered behind the scenes during the years Steven was on the Committee. Both continued to volunteer in weekly key roles until 2007/08 when their children finished. From 2008, Steven continued to volunteer on a weekly basis as Discus Manager until 2011 and both Steven and Nicole officiated at the annual Waverley Open Day. 

Both began volunteering at SMR in 2004/05 followed by LAVic in 2007/08. Steven and Nicole continue to volunteer at the Region and State Championship events every year, even though their children finished some 14 years ago Nicole is currently serving as SMR Competition Secretary. 

Over the years, Steven and Nicole have received many accolades for their services to Little Athletics. I hope there's enough room left in your trophy cabinet!! 

For more detailed information on Steven and Nicole's Little Athletics involvement, visit their profiles on the Waverley LAC website - its worth the read! 

Steven - https://www.waverleylac.com.au/show-profile?PeoplePK=23

Nicole - https://www.waverleylac.com.au/show-profile?PeoplePK=24

Kind Regards,

Dylan Cooper
President and Life Member
Waverley Little Athletics Centre Inc.