Australian Community Sports Volunteers Honored as Barbecue Legends

Austin Wise, assistant vice‑president of the Collingullie Wagga Demons Football Netball Club, and Shane Matheson, long‑time stalwart of the North Wangaratta Football & Netball Club, have been named among Bunnings' nationwide "Legend of the Tongs" barbecue heroes. Their recognition highlights the vital volunteer work that keeps regional clubs running, from arranging parking and running raffles to cooking on the club barbie.

Both men have devoted decades to their clubs, with Wise handling gate duties and grill work and Matheson contributing to events for over 35 years. Their clubs, located about 200 km apart across the Murray River, have also produced AFL players such as Matt Kennedy and Harry Perryman, underscoring the strong community ties that nurture talent.

The award celebrates the commitment of volunteers who sustain local sport in rural Australia, ensuring clubs remain active despite challenges like declining participation and funding shortages.