esv.vic.gov.au
ESV announces
2019 Canteen Hero
By Anitra Robertson, Senior Communications Advisor
In October, ESV celebrated footy clubs’ unsung heroes – the canteen
volunteers – by announcing the winner of our 2019 Canteen Hero award,
Bert Van Lith from the Drysdale Football Netball Club.
ESV presented the award on 28 October
at the club’s AGM. Unaware of the
proceedings, Bert was completely
surprised and sincerely humbled to
receive the recognition and by his
club’s appreciation for his years of
service. In addition to an engraved
plaque and letter of congratulations
from the Director of Energy Safety,
Bert will also receive a $1,000 grant
towards the purchase of new electrical
or gas appliances for the Drysdale FNC
canteen.
Following the successful handout
of 30 Canteen Grants to AFL Victoria
football clubs from across Victoria,
totalling $25,000, we wrapped up our
2019 grants season with the inaugural
award to recognise the contribution
of volunteers to club canteens.
More than 70 nominations were
submitted, and in a few cases, multiple
nominations for the same Canteen Hero.
We were thrilled to see so many clubs
genuinely appreciative of the people
who keep their meat pies warm and
drinks cool throughout the season.
The task to select finalists and a
winner was undeniably challenging.
Every nomination received illustrated a
Canteen Hero devoting their weekends
and Thursday nights to preparing meals,
managing stock, seeking out healthy
food options and spending hours
serving hungry patrons.
Ten finalists were selected and from
those emerged our winner – Bert, from
Drysdale. Commended by his club for
40 years’ of service (20 in the kitchen),
Bert has never missed a game and
works tirelessly in the kitchen each
Thursday night and weekend. Winner
Bert Van Lith
Drysdale Football Netball Club
During finals and on grand final day
Bert co-ordinated the kitchen,
committing to the fryers for over 10
hours each day. His infamous ‘Berty’s
Schnitz’ is a local legend, with the club’s
final comment on its submission stating,
“every club needs a Bert”. Catherine Quinn & Nadine Scoble
Corio Community Sports Club
We also warmly congratulate our
nine other finalists, listed on the right.
It was a near impossible task to
separate them from the winner with
every nominee an inspiration and so
well appreciated by their club.
Energy Safe Victoria, AFL Victoria and
your footy club thanks all who support
their local club and canteen.
We look forward to seeing more
nominations in 2020 for our Canteen
Grants Program and Canteen Hero
Award.
Other finalists
Sue Lea
Calivil United Football Netball Club
Joedi Scanga
Diamond Creek Women’s Football
Club (DCWFC)
Casey Callanan
Gormandale Football Netball Club
Joy Trotter-Harris
Hamilton Kangaroos Football Netball
Club
Karen Dixon
Korumburra-Bena Football Netball
Club
Jim Macilwain
Maryborough Football Netball Club
Vicki Endrei
North Shore Football & Netball Club
Kenny Alvin
Wy Yung Football Netball Club
A number of nominees have been
supporting their club’s canteen for
many years – some for more than
40 years! It was clear to us that every
one of our nominees is indeed an
unsung hero to their beloved club,
and without them and their tightknit
community, AFL Victoria footy clubs
would not be the success they are
today.
Not all heroes wear caps: Bert with ESV's Jonathan Granger.
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