From the moment Aussie set foot in the city he got himself immersed in community activities, far too many to mention. We wanted, however, to mention the Bendigo Victory “Reclink” footy team.  

Aussie was approached early on to coach the side and we are sure he would have thought, “Here we go – another coaching job”. 

However, he threw himself into the job, committing to every Wednesday during the footy season, (around five months) for the past two years, helping improve the lives of the disabled and disadvantaged.

Aussie’s rapport with these people, both male and female, over a variety of ages, has really been great and his patience outstanding. 

Having spent a fair bit of time ourselves in this area, we know what a challenge it can be, but Aussie has never wilted in his attempts to make these people’s lives just a little bit better.

They have come to regard Aussie very highly, and we are sure that after a while he really enjoyed his time with them.

Just recently Aussie has been able to coach the Bendigo Victory to back-to-back premierships in their division of the Reclink football program held at the Peanut Farm in St Kilda. To many this may not seem a big deal, but to the people involved it is huge, and Aussie got a big kick out of it as well.

Aussie, your departure from Bendigo will be felt by many, not least of all by everyone involved at the Bendigo Victory Football Club.  

We value the friendship you have shown to us and you should be particularly proud of your achievements while in our presence.  

We can only thank you and wish you and your family the very best with whatever you take on in the future.

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