WA Football Volunteer of The Year Makes His MarkWednesday, September 13, 2023 - 12:39 PM

The winner of the 2023 Rio Tinto WA Football Volunteer of the Year has helped transform the sporting landscape at a famous tourist town.

Mark Delane has been recognised for his outstanding work as President of the Dunsborough FC, the largest regional club in the state.

Delane has been President for the past five years, along with serving as Vice President of Busselton Districts Junior Football Association and a member of Busselton’s Football Advisory Committee.

In 2018 when Mark became President there were three separate Dunsborough Clubs, so he sought funding from the City of Busselton to develop a strategic plan allowing them to combine all three clubs to form the Dunsborough Football Club with teams from Juniors to Masters.

The club has grown from 14 junior and one senior team in 2018 to 23 junior and five senior teams in 2023.

Led by Mark, the club put in a submission to the South West Football League to become a senior club to form a Colts, Reserves, Women’s and League side from scratch, which was accepted unanimously in 2022.

This year, the club has representation across all four grades.

Delane has put the club in a strong financial position and has ensured League requirements such as boundary fencing are met.

He is leading discussions with the City in relation to the Dunsborough Playing Fields Masterplan which, when completed, will become a quality facility for the community.

Mark and the club are also strong advocates for the Think Mental Health Campaign and Tackle Your Feelings Roadshow initiatives.

During its inaugural League season, the club had 2,300 attend its Think Mental Health Round.

Mark, nominated as a finalist from the Southwest region, receives $4000 from Rio Tinto and a 1-year subscription from the Sunday Times, plus a $500 gift card.

The West Australian Football Commission congratulates Mark on his award.