One Community Volunteer of Yr finalists

Debra Gallop, a Cairns mother-of-five, is one of 10 finalists for the Toyota National Volunteer of the Year which recognises someone who has provided exceptional service to the game and made a notable and measurable difference in their region in 2010. <br><br> The nominees for the National Volunteer of the Year are judged on their contribution to the development, promotion and organisation of rugby league in their community. <br><br> Debra’s involvement in rugby league began around the time she had to drive her brother to football practice over 20 years ago. After having five children of her own, her love and support for the game grew. <br><br> She has been on the Cairns Kangaroo Juniors Rugby League Club committee since 1998, and has taken on various roles from Kiosk Convener to Assistant Coach and Trainer, as well as attaining her FAO level 1 and level 2, helping out at local schools, and providing after school care in addition to the Coaching Clinic as a coach and a first aid officer. And she also works! <br><br> When asked about her nomination she replied: "Shocked! I didn’t know what to say, I was speechless!" <br><br> Debra wants to continue to encourage others to volunteer and hopes to nurture the "innocent fun" rugby league has to offer the "kids". <br><br> Toyota will provide $5,000 to the winner and $5,000 to the winner’s club. <br><br> <b>The finalists are: Greg Carey (Warwick Cowboys, QLD); Justin Loxley (Lake Cargelligo JRL, NSW); Peter Mortimer (Balmain Tigers/Concord Wolves, NSW); Michael Tierney (Kiama JRL, NSW); Barry Jones (Minchinbury Penrith, NSW); Donna Okunbor (Milperra Colts, NSW); David and Cheryl Smith (South Sydney Juniors, NSW); Debra Gallop (Cairns Juniors, QLD); Steve Henderson (Middlemount Panthers, QLD); Glenn Bartlett (ISIS RLFC, QLD).</b>