The Nhill and District Sporting Club hosted an exceptional WorkSafe Country Club Game on Saturday, celebrating not just the game but the people behind the scenes who make country sport what it is.
The WorkSafe Country Club Games initiative aims to champion regional communities and their volunteers, whilst serving as a platform for supporting these football and netball clubs to promote the importance of workplace safety.
By taking part in the week, Nhill also received a financial contribution from WorkSafe, along with new footballs, netballs and goal post padding to support the club.
As part of the round, Nhill had the honour of nominating a club person for the WorkSafe Victoria Country Volunteer of the Year award. Club Secretary Josh Shrive was selected by the committee and was presented with a goody bag by WorkSafe after the Reserves game and in front of hundreds of Nhill supporters.
“I’d like to thank WorkSafe for sponsoring the award, but also putting on such a fantastic day. We couldn’t have picked it better with the weather, and to recognise our valued sponsors as well really tied everything together,” he said.
“Thank you to the people who put my name forward for the award. I really felt like I was accepting this on behalf of all of our committee, as we have such a great and dedicated bunch of people who help keep the club running smoothly,” he added.
Shrive’s contribution to the club has been significant, both off and on the field and across the organisation’s operations. As Club Secretary, he’s streamlined meetings and reporting, improved online document systems, overhauled communications and ICT, and helped bring the club’s membership process online. He also plays a leading role on the steering sub-committee overseeing the Davis Park redevelopment, negotiations with Hindmarsh Shire Council, and major policy reviews.
“I firmly believe that our volunteers are the life blood of our club. If everybody chips in then that is the surest way to guarantee the club’s success, on and off the field.
I was fortunate enough to learn from an early age what volunteering looked like, and I hope that is what I have been able to role model since I started my involvement in the NDSC”, Shrive continued.
“A final thank you needs to go to my wife, Sarah. As everyone who volunteers knows, it is always made easier when you have supportive people behind you, and Sarah is certainly that,” Shrive added.
NDSC President Daniel Colbert said, “Josh holds himself with professionalism, care and effort above and beyond what is expected in his role. His leadership has directly contributed to stronger administration internally and increased external support for the club.”
Keeping the award a surprise was impossible, according to the Executive Committee — especially given how involved Shrive is in nearly everything the club does. So while the award wasn’t a secret, the response from players, supporters and members after the award ceremony highlighted just how deserving Josh is.
The WorkSafe Country Club Game brought the whole Nhill community together across several days. The footballers were joined by 2016 Western Bulldogs premiership player and WorkSafe ambassador Tom Boyd, who spoke with players and locals alike. The netballers welcomed Shelley O’Donnell — a 10-year Australian Diamonds veteran, Hall of Fame member, and Netball Victoria Team of the Century inductee — to their training session.
Club president Daniel Colbert said it was one of the most successful weekends the club has hosted.
“It was a fantastic weekend and Josh was very deserving of his nomination. I want to thank everyone involved — players, volunteers, supporters, WorkSafe, and our broader community — for making the round so special.”
For Nhill, the round was about more than just sport. It was a celebration of their sponsors, community spirit, safety, and the volunteers who give so much — often quietly, and always with heart.
This article appeared in Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 25 June 2025.
