Recognising a club great: For about 25 years Maree Williams has been busy volunteering at her beloved Shepparton Swans. Perhaps her biggest impact has come off the field through her work with mental health awareness.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Shepparton Swans may be aware of it anyway, but the club may have an off-field legend on its hands.
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There could well be a prize that sets it in writing, though, with club stalwart Maree Williams in the running to win the inaugural OMO Ultimate Footy Club Legend competition.
The award, aiming to recognise a grassroots volunteer with an exceptional commitment to the local game and the broader community, comes with a set of AFL grand final tickets and a wealth of OMO laundry products.
Williams says it would be a true honour should her quarter-century of dedication to her local club be immortalised with the award.
“I would be blown away,” Williams said with a laugh.
“(The award) means volunteers are still very prominent in our sport.
“It’s so important to put your hand up; money is tight, but if you can lend a little bit of time, it’s all about recognition.”
Williams has amassed an astounding body of work in the 25 years she has served the Swans, estimating as many as 25 hours a week ahead of home games undertaking tasks like individually washing jumpers of the entire seniors, reserves and thirds squads at home weekly.
Beyond the labours, though, her commitment to the Swans and the initiatives she leads through football is partially driven by tragedy.
“My eldest son Michael took his own life at 18 (in June 1999), with no clear signs of problems,” Williams said.
“He had 1500 at his funeral and I made sure my door was open because I could see the impact it had on his playing mates.”
The tragic circumstance spurred Williams to spread awareness about mental health in district sport during an era where even professional athletes were seldom concerned with such matters.
Raising awareness: Shepparton Swans' Maree Williams is committed to promoting mental health within the football and netball club . Each year the Swans and Cats play off for a cup presented in her family’s name.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Having brought her sons up through junior football at Mooroopna before committing to Swans duties full-time, the Williams family name became enshrined in an annual cup contested between the two sides at Swans home games, which remains active today.
Williams has had a hand in creating initiatives designed to foster greater awareness of mental health symptoms within grassroots football.
“We started Leading From Within with Pat and Jenny O’Connell and Pat Sleeth suggested the Cats and Swans contest a cup at Princess Park,” Williams said.
“I speak to the teams and reinforce the message, ‘check on your mates, know how they’re feeling and what they’re up to’ because it was a tragic ending and that’s why we’re so conscious of it.
“We were so determined ... we need to be sure, young and old, to be aware that if someone’s out of character or out of the picture, it helps just to check on them.”
During the portions of time left for herself Williams continues her focus on pitching in when needed.
“I love my garden and craft work, I’m heavily involved with school as well doing breakfast and after-school programs,” Williams said.
“I just love mixing with people.”
Williams, in her own words, is “not a person who likes to be in the limelight”, but cherishes the recognition of being put up for a national award for the enormous amount of time she has given to Shepparton Swans and the greater community.
“I like to go under the radar, but I’m so proud that there are people who think I’m worthy of it,” Williams said.
“I feel very humbled.”
If this story has affected you or someone you know, please phone Lifeline on 131 114, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or Kids’ Helpline on 1800 551 800.
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