Greg Huppatz is one of the many dedicated volunteers who are the lifeblood of community sport. He balances the commitments of work and four sons to volunteer for Teachers West Rugby Union Football Club in Townsville. Officially Greg is club treasurer but unofficially he has worked in every role from gardener to team manager.

Greg has always been passionate about rugby and has volunteered either as a player, supporter or committee member since 1981. After moving to Townsville in 2004, he became involved with Teachers West Rugby Union Football Club and started working as club treasurer in 2008.

Although Greg’s official job is to ensure the club remains in a sound financial position, he often volunteers for other jobs — as with any community sport club, Teachers West often has roles that are hard to fill — and has lent a hand in ground layout, watering, fertilising and mowing the park; sourcing and erecting goal posts; assisted with fundraising, sponsorship and working with grant applications; as well as taking on the roles of team manager and clothing officer.

Despite working tirelessly for Teachers West for the past 6 years, Greg is humble about his contribution: ‘I feel that my participation within Teachers West Rugby in general is only small in comparison to others on the committee,’ said Greg. ‘The club has developed into a strong association and this is due to the support and dedication of a number of people.’

Greg’s family are also heavily involved in rugby and Teachers West: three of his four sons play for the club and the fourth is often found running around the grounds as a referee. Two of his sons also mentor younger players by coaching a side and Greg’s wife is actively involved in the organising of fundraising events for local clubs.

Greg is an excellent mentor not just for his sons: he is a great role model for the Townsville rugby community. He leads by example, showing the huge effects a bit of effort can have towards the success of a club. Without the support and commitment of people like Greg, sporting clubs in Australia would struggle to survive.

Quick Questions

Why did you start volunteering?

I started volunteering in order to be more closely involved in the sport that my children played. Additionally, I played Rugby Union when I was younger and felt that Rugby had given me a lot of enjoyment over many years and the thought of giving something back was appealing.

Why do you continue?

I continue my involvement with the Teachers West Rugby Union Club because of the close friendships and associations that I have made with many people within the club. My children are still playing so being involved with them and their sport gives our family more time together.

Most rewarding moment

Whilst there have been many rewarding moments, seeing Teachers West develop a ‘home’ ground has been a highlight. Seeing the work commence on that project and knowing what it will mean to the club in general was certainly a good feeling.

What do you get out of it?

Satisfaction, knowing that the club is in a sound position financially with stable club numbers in both junior and senior competitions.