One Community Awards kick-off GF week

As rugby league fans countdown to one of the most exciting weeks of Grand Final celebrations ever, the game’s grass-roots is putting the final touches on its night of celebration, with the fourth annual Rugby League One Community Awards to kick off a huge week of Grand Final events tonight (Mon, Sept 27). <br><br> Swapping their jerseys and football boots for dress-shoes and suits, some of the NRL’s biggest stars will join more than 300 guests from across Australia’s grass-roots Rugby League community from 7pm at Sydney’s Town Hall as the game celebrates the off-field achievements of its NRL and everyday heroes. <br><br> Among the finalists at tonight’s event will be a club member who has brought together the indigenous and non-indigenous community in his area to triple the size of the club and another who travels up to 330 kilometers each week to volunteer. <br><br> Grass-roots heroes from across the game and the 10 award categories will be joined by NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, as they rub shoulders with some of Rugby League’s finest including 2009 Ken Stephen Medal winner, Nathan Hindmarsh, and 2010 nominees Andrew Ryan (Bulldogs), Reece Williams (Sharks), Aaron Heremaia (Warriors) and Jarrod Mullen (Knights). <br><br> Those named as finalists for the 10 community awards will be in the running for a prize pool worth more than $60,000. <br><br> The awards to be presented at the 2010 One Community Awards are: <br><br> <b>Telstra Ken Stephen Medal</b> <br> Telstra will provide $5,000 to the winner and $5,000 to the winner’s favourite charity. <br><br> <b>Telstra One Community NRL Club of the Year</b> <br> Telstra will provide $10,000 towards the winning club’s community program and/or staff development training for community relations staff. <br><br> <b>Toyota National Volunteer of the Year</b> <br> Toyota will provide $5,000 to the winner and $5,000 to the winner’s club <br><br> <b>Harvey Norman Women in League Award: Volunteer</b> <br> Harvey Norman will provide the winner with a $5,000 Harvey Norman gift voucher <br><br> <b>Harvey Norman Women in League Award: Paid</b> <br> Harvey Norman will provide the winner with a $5,000 Harvey Norman gift voucher <br><br> <b>Telstra One Community Grassroots Club of the Year</b> <br> Telstra will provide two Telstra Assistance Packs valued at $3,000 each plus $2,000 <br><br> <b>AAMI Service to the Community</b> <br> AAMI will provide $5,000 towards the winner’s community program <br><br> <b>AAMI Service to Refereeing</b> <br> AAMI will provide $2,500 to the winner <br><br> <b>ARL Development National Teacher of the Year: Primary</b> <br> ARLD will provide $2,500 to the winning teacher and a $500 equipment pack for their school <br><br> <b>ARL Development National Teacher of the Year: Secondary</b> <br> ARLD will provide $2,500 to the winning teacher and a $500 equipment pack for their school.