Young says thank you Wenona

At council’s December 19 monthly meeting councillor Ben Cooper requested that Wenona be recognised for a Young Shire Council Community Recognition Award for coaching junior rugby league in Young since 1995.

Wenona’s love of rugby league saw her want to get involved when the club put a call out for coaches in 1995.

“I thought it was a great opportunity to be involved in something I really love and a big challenge for me, which is it every year!” she laughed.

By 1998 Wenona was so involved in the club and the Under 6s, her squad was named Wenona’s Warriors and has kept that name ever since.

And the 17 years of voluntary service comes as no surprise to Wenona, saying she pictured herself in a long-term role – one she’s not planning to hand over anytime soon either.

“I kept telling them I’ll still be coaching, walking around with my walking frame,” she said.

While Wenona does concentrate on the basics of the sport – ball and tackling skills – she said it’s not just about league.

“It’s also the social skills, having to take instructions, having to wait, respect others and it helps with occupational therapy – it’s their first introduction to sport and it’s about learning how to have fun,” Wenona said.

“And the biggest thing – if I forget my lollies, I’m in trouble,” she laughed, “there’s something for everyone – for tears there’s jelly beans.”

Wenona’s highlight moments over the years, she said, has to be grand final days when the youngsters play in front of the first grade players.

“It takes a little while for them to get going at first and then you see them play at the grand final – that is the most…” she paused, “it’s hard to explain.”

Cr Cooper said that pretty much everyone under 26-year has been coached by Wenona at some stage.

“It’s a massive feat to have taught that many players – she’s an exceptional role model for the youth of Young, she inspires them to achieve their best and instills a love of sport in them,” he said.

“Whenever help is needed Wenona is there,” he added.

And the call hasn’t stopped there for Wenona – she has also helped out with the Young High School state touch teams for boys and girls, youth at risk of dropping out of school with the In Town Program at Young High School and various duties with other local sporting clubs.

“The Year 9 and 10 girls really wanted to play touch last year but I was really busy with the Year 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 boys touch teams so Wenona came in and helped,” Cr Cooper said.

“These girls just love her now – they call her ‘mama Nonas’!” he said.

Cr Cooper said without Wenona coaching during her lunch breaks at work, the girls wouldn’t of had the chance to play.

Wenona not only took the youth at risk out for some sporting activities, she also gave them the chance to learn teamwork skills and exposed them to work experience such as landscaping, pruning vines at local orchards, assisting at a construction site and teaching life skills to students at Young North Public School.

“Wenona is an asset to our community – her input into the youth of our town is exceptional and she’s a brilliant ambassador for Young,” Cr Cooper said.

“We could do with more Wenonas in our town,” he said.