The wider Goulburn Valley community is in mourning after the passing of sporting stalwart Mal Watt (centre)
Photo by
Holly Curtis
Heartfelt tributes have been paid to ‘dependable and respected’ Victorian sports stalwart Malcolm Watt following the tragic passing of the former Shepparton Citizen of the Year at the age of 78.
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The Goulburn Valley sporting family is united in mourning after the death of the legendary figure on March 11 - as condolences to the serving Mooroopna Football Club Past Players and Officials secretary were issued by dozens of friends and colleagues.
The beloved local sports veteran lent his expertise to numerous clubs and establishments - volunteering in guises as varied as umpiring through to crisis response and family support - during 55 years of selfless work as a pillar of the community.
Tireless in his lifetime of service to sport, community organisations and youth support, he is remembered as a kind, generous and dependable man whose impact will be felt across the region for years to come.
At Shepparton East Football Netball Club, he served for over two decades in key volunteer roles including committee member, treasurer and team manager, while always lending a hand wherever it was needed.
He was also the current secretary of the Mooroopna Football Club Past Players and Officials Association and a strong supporter of numerous community groups.
Beyond sport, Mr Watt spent nearly 20 years working with young people and families through The Bridge, where he held roles including crisis response team member, youth and family support worker and intake worker.
He was widely admired for his compassion, humility and dedication to helping others.
His tireless service to the community saw him earn various honours from a host of institutions across the wider community and he was named as the Shepparton Citizen of the Year back in 2014.
In addition, he was previously made a life member of the Greater Shepparton Basketball Association (GSBA).
A beloved husband to Pamela, he also leaves behind son Jae, daughter-in-law Mel, grandson Sonny, alongside several more loved ones including Matilda, Ruby, and Darcy.
Expressing condolences to the sporting figure’s family and friends, the Mooroopna Football Netball Club thanked him for his dedication to his community and the club over several decades.
“The Mooroopna Football Netball Club is sad to hear of the loss of valued Mooroopna Football Club Past Players& Officials contributor Mal,” they said.
“Mal, an active member and very involved club man in and around the MFNC and greater Mooroopna village.
“Rest in peace.”
Moreover, the Goulburn Valley League thanked Watt for his extensive contributions to sports in the wider region in a moving statement.
“We are saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our dear friend and much-loved figure whose service to the game spanned more than 55 years,” a representative said.
“Malcolm gave generously as a player, umpire, GSBA Life Member and score table official, always dependable and respected by all who knew him.
Rotarian Mal Watt (far left) was noted for his tireless and selfless approach to volunteering in the Shepparton region
Photo by
Amy De Paola
“His lifetime of contribution was recognised through many tributes, including being named Shepparton Citizen of the Year in 2014.
“Malcolm's kindness, humility and quiet dedication touched countless lives across many sports. His legacy lives on in the many people he supported and inspired.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Malcolm's family and friends. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
“Mal, you have all our love and respect.“
The Rotary Club of Central Shepparton also issued a tribute to Mr Watt, as they highlighted his ‘commitment’ to helping countless youngsters across the region in his various guises down the years.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Bridge staff member Malcolm Watt, a man whose compassion, wisdom and dedication helped shape the lives of countless young people across our region,” a spokesperson said.
“Malcolm began his journey with The Bridge in September 1995 as part of the Crisis Response Team and went on to serve in a number of roles across the organisation, including Leaving Care Worker, Youth and Family Support Worker, Youth Links Program support, and Intake Worker.
“Across nearly two decades of service, Malcolm was known for his unwavering commitment to young people and families facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
Rotarian Mal Watt (right) was valued in the wider Victorian community for his tireless contributions to the region
Photo by
Contributed
“Those who worked alongside Malcolm remember not only his professionalism, but the warmth and kindness he brought to every conversation. As Program Manager Linda reflected after reconnecting with him at our Open Day last December:
"His passion for working with young people was unmistakable, and he was truly one of nature’s gentlemen. He was kind, generous, caring and had a wicked sense of humour."
“Malcolm believed deeply that every young person deserved an opportunity and that with the right support, positive change was always possible. His work touched the lives of many young people, families and colleagues across the Goulburn Valley.
Mal Watt (far right) helped to raise significant sums for charity in the region, alongside his volunteering work
Photo by
Holly Curtis
“It was wonderful to welcome Malcolm back to The Bridge late last year, where he proudly wore one of his original Bridge name badges and shared stories with staff who continue the work he cared so deeply about.
“Malcolm’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he helped guide and the community he served so faithfully.
“Our thoughts are with Malcolm’s family, friends and former colleagues.
“Thank you for everything, Malcolm.”
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Malcolm Stanley Watt will be held Monday March 23 at 2pm at Sir Ian McLennan Centre, Joyce Reid Drive in Mooroopna.
