Bundanoon Rebels named Football NSW Club Changer of the Month
Football NSW has named Highlands Soccer Association’s Bundanoon Rebels as its Club Changer Club of the Month for June.
Club Changer is Football Australia’s Club Development Program which aims to protect and enhance clubs to make them stronger and more resilient while planning for long-term viability and success.
Highlands Soccer Association Secretary Sarah Packer was delighted to see Bundanoon engaging with Club Changer.
“Bundanoon Rebels used their Club Changer action plan to support them in identifying areas for improvement whilst also acknowledging and celebrating the areas they are excelling in. They have led the way in the safeguarding space and have put important educational and safeguarding information on signs at their ground as well as having a robust induction program for their volunteers.”
“This year, the Rebels have made significant strides in strengthening our commitment to safeguarding,” said Michael Woods, President of Bundanoon Rebels.
“We appointed a dedicated Safeguarding Officer and a Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO), ensuring clear points of contact for any concerns. We introduced visible signage to promote key messages around safety and respect, and developed digital onboarding resources for members, coaches, and managers that include education and tools on safeguarding. We also formalised our club’s safeguarding commitment through a published statement and introduced a new photography policy to better protect the privacy and wellbeing of our players. Safeguarding is essential to our club because it creates a safe, inclusive environment where every participant feels respected, supported, and free to enjoy the game.”
“Being named Club Changer Club of the Month is a proud moment for the Rebels. It reflects our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming club for everyone who walks through our gates.”
“We have made big efforts in the past 12 months to ensure our club is accessible and enjoyable for all. Being named Club Changer Club of the Month shows we’re on the right path – and it’s just the beginning.”
“This award recognises the collective effort of our volunteers, players, families and committee in building a club that reflects the values of respect, fairness, and inclusion.”
“This recognition highlights the hard work we’ve put into making safeguarding a visible and everyday part of our club culture,” said Sally Russell, Safeguarding Officer at Bundanoon Rebels.
“Everyone has a role to play, and we’re proud to be leading by example.”
“Safeguarding isn’t a box-ticking exercise – it’s about creating a culture where everyone feels safe and supported. I’m proud that our club is being recognised for putting this into practice.”
“We’ve made real progress embedding child safety and inclusion into how we run our club. Being recognised as Club Changer of the Month is a great motivator to keep improving.”
Football NSW’s Program Manager of Club Development, Trevor Huxley, praised the Rebels’ engagement with Club Changer.
“It’s great to see Bundanoon Rebels continued improvement in the safeguarding space, their continued efforts to provide a fun, safe and social environment for their players ensures they provide opportunities for everyone.”
“Being awarded Junes Club Changer Club of the Month is testament to all their hard work!”
Interested Clubs can direct Club Changer enquiries to trevorh@footballnsw.com.au or visit the Football NSW Club Changer webpage.
