NFA Football Association President claims top award

Nepean Football Association President Frances Refalo was named 2015 Local Woman of the Year for Mulgoa. 

Minister for Women Pru Goward was joined by Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies to present the award to Ms Refalo.

Ms Refalo has dedicated the last 15 years of her life as an active volunteer for the local football community and has performed a range of different official roles, many of which simultaneously.

Her passion and good will for her community and football saw her become the first ever female elected president for the Nepean Football Association (NFA).

Ms Goward commended the recipient on the hard work she has put in.

“It is the hard and often thankless work of women like Ms Refalo that make not only our communities great places to live, but defines who we are as Australians.”

Ms Davies said she was proud to nominate Ms Refalo as the Mulgoa 2015 Local Woman of the Year.

“It is truly a privilege to be able to acknowledge the great work in our community of women like Ms Refalo,” Ms Davies said.

Ms Refalo has been involved with the NFA for the past 11 years and has held various roles throughout her time spent there.

In 2008, Ms Refalo joined the coaching ranks of the Nepean Dragons, a Sub-Committee of the NFA, which provides football activities to children and adults with special needs, imparting the joys of football to both players and their families.

Ms Refalo was thankful for being recognized and honored to receive such an award.

“I am astounded that I have been recognized for this award. I feel so honoured and appreciative just to have been considered for this award and to have the Minister for Women come all the way out here to Western Sydney to personally present this to me has left me speechless. Thank you so much,” said Frances Refalo upon receiving the award.