OUR PRESIDENT
Shahra McDonnell
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To our valued Parents, Members, Supporters and Sponsors,
I am very excited and proud to have been elected President of Fortitude Valley Rugby League Football Club – Junior Division Inc (Valleys Diehards) for the 2024 season.
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Being the first female President of Valleys, the oldest and most well known club in Brisbane, is a humbling experience and I would like to thank the club, and particularly my fellow committee, in supporting my election to this role, as I do regard this as an honour.
I have been a part of the Valleys community since 2011. I found Valleys to be such an inclusive and welcoming club, and enjoyed my time helping out in the canteen, bar and other team volunteer positions.
I joined the committee in 2013 as the club Registrar. In 2014 I moved in to the Club Secretary role where I remained until I took over the position of Club Treasurer in 2019.
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In 2019 I was also appointed as the Rugby League Brisbane Zone 2 Advocate. This was another role that I have thoroughly enjoyed. Through building good relationships and working closely with our governing bodies and representatives from our 12 fellow Zone 2 clubs, this role has allowed me to understand how other clubs function, what challenges they face, what works well and how important it is that clubs are working together to grow this great game of Rugby League.
The extensive knowledge and understanding I have developed of rugby league administration, operations and governance during my time in these roles will prove valuable as I take on this role, and I give you my assurance that the 2022 committee will continue to build on the great work that been done over the past years and has seen our club become successful both on and off the field.
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Being a part of this wonderful club makes giving back to the community a rewarding and enjoyable experience. I really encourage any parents, members or supporters who would like to volunteer and contribute to the success of our club, no matter how limited or great your availability, to contact myself or my fellow committee members to discuss how you can help. We have a variety of sub-committee opportunities and volunteer roles which are required to be filled. These roles are integral to the future of our club to ensure we can continue to provide the best opportunities for our players.
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2023 has been an amazing year and we have seen an outstanding level of support from our members and supporters near and far. When we find ourselves in the face of adversity it is this True Blue Diehard spirit that connects us as a community, makes us feel supported and allows us to move through these challenges feeling stronger than ever. I look forward to 2024 being bigger and better in many ways and hope to see you all around the grounds!
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Lastly, to Valleys longest standing President Danny Walker, I thank you for the trust and confidence you have put in me to take over this role. After 11 years of Presidency Danny has certainly set the bar high, and my goal is to continue with the great work and planning that he has led over this time. I am pleased to have Danny remaining an executive committee member in the role of Treasurer, whilst also continuing in the role of Senior Football Operations Manager, where he will continue his great work with our highly successful senior football program.
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The 2024 committee has already started planning for the new season and we are really excited about what is coming. We look forward to seeing you all return in the new year!
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Shahra McDonnell
President