By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Knox Little Athletics volunteer David Kearsley has been nominated for Volunteer of the Year at the 2024 Victorian Sport Awards (VSAs), in recognition of his long-standing dedication to the community.
This nomination is part of a record 330 submissions from the Victorian sporting community, celebrating individuals and groups who have made exceptional contributions to sport and recreation over the past year – with Mr Kearsley’s work at Knox standing as a shining example of grassroots commitment.
“I don’t do it for the recognition. I’m honestly surprised and humbled by the nomination, as it was completely unexpected. My involvement with Knox Little Athletics, especially with the recent rebuild of our track that just opened, has always been about my love for the sport,” he said.
“Athletics was something I grew up with, we wanted to give back to the centre that gave us so much growing up, and we hoped our kids would benefit from the same experiences. Volunteering, putting in the time, and supporting the community so the kids can enjoy the sport – that’s what it’s all about for me.”
The VSAs, which recognise achievements across 18 categories, offer a platform for grassroots sportspeople and high-performance athletes alike.
From coaches and volunteers to athletes and media professionals, the awards celebrate the unsung heroes who make sport possible in Victoria.
This year, a diverse range of nominees has been honoured, including those who have excelled at events such as the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.
As part of the nomination process, a panel of 45 highly qualified judges – comprising experts such as four-time Olympian Steve Moneghetti AM, Netball Victoria’s Sharelle McMahon, and 110m hurdles record holder Kyle Van Der Kuyp – has been tasked with selecting finalists and winners.
Mr Kearsley’s nomination for Volunteer of the Year reflects his decades-long involvement with Little Athletics, which has now expanded to his leadership roles at Knox Little Athletics.
His journey into athletics began as a young participant in Little Athletics, where he first fell in love with the sport. Later, as his children became involved, Mr Kearsley and his wife returned to the sport – not as competitors, but as passionate volunteers eager to give back to the community.
Despite his recent nomination, Mr Kearsley remains humble and focused on his core values: ‘helping kids and fostering a love for sport.’
His leadership played an essential role in the recent transformation of Knox Little Athletics’ facilities. After a $5 million upgrade funded by the Knox City Council, the centre’s newly rebuilt athletics track opened in March 2025, providing an excellent venue for local athletes to train and compete.
One of Mr Kearsley’s proudest moments came in 2024 when he helped Knox Little Athletics host the State Championships, welcoming over 2000 athletes from across Victoria.
“It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my time with the centre, seeing so many athletes come together in one place was incredible, and knowing that I played a part in making it happen was really special,” he said.
While Mr Kearsley stepped down from the role of president in 2025 to focus on family commitments, he continues to support the centre as competition director. He remains dedicated to ensuring the smooth running of events and competitions, helping to guide the next generation of athletes.
For him, volunteering is about more than just helping with competitions or running events – it’s about creating a positive, supportive environment where children can thrive.
“It’s not just about learning how to run fast. It’s about teaching kids life skills – commitment, teamwork, how to engage with others in a healthy and safe environment,” he said.
His perspective on volunteering is simple: ‘give back to the community and leave a legacy for future generations.’
“The legacy isn’t just about me, it’s about all the volunteers who make this work. I want the kids coming through the centre to have a facility they can be proud of, a place where they can grow and reach their potential,” Mr Kearsley said.
Community Sport Minister, Ros Spence, congratulated all nominees, highlighting the growing level of excellence across all levels of sport in the state.
“It’s fantastic to see so many Victorians nominated for their outstanding contributions to sport,” she said.
“This year’s record-breaking number of nominations reflects the high calibre of individuals who make up the fabric of Victoria’s sporting community.”
Vicsport chief executive officer, Lisa Hasker, expressed her excitement about the upcoming ceremony.
“With a record number of nominations this year, we’re eager to celebrate the achievements of our finalists at the MCG in May,” Ms Hasker said.
For Mr Kearsley, the true reward comes not from recognition but from watching young athletes grow, mature, and develop life skills through sport.
“When you see kids grow into young adults, with aspirations and confidence, it’s incredibly rewarding,” he said.
His nomination serves as a powerful reminder of the impact grassroots volunteers have on the community. Behind every competition, event, or success story, there are volunteers like David Kearsley who make it all possible.
“It’s a lovely surprise, but at the end of the day, we do this because we love it, and we want to see the community thrive,” he said.
The 2024 Victorian Sport Awards will take place on May 14 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where Mr Kearsley and other finalists will be celebrated for their exceptional contributions to Victoria’s sporting landscape.
