Goulburn Valley Football Umpires Association hosts annual presentation night

Kate Christie took home the AFL Victoria ‘Promotion of Umpiring’ Community Award, while Dave Colbourne was awarded the Ron Pell ‘Blood in the Boots’ award.

Geordie Teasdale secured the Phillip Moran Rising Star award, and Aiden Maksacheff earned the Greg Sidebottom Golden Whistle Award.

In a significant moment, Anthony Oliver, Charlie Zampaglione and Mark Lambourn were awarded life memberships, while Jack Norris received the Ian Coates Award.

The Hall of Fame welcomed three distinguished inductees.

Leo Pye, a life member since 1986, officiated 10 senior grand finals across the GVFL, Murray League and KDFL between 1978 and 1989.

Foundation member Lloyd Freer, who became a life member in 1974, served as president from 1971 to 1973. He was known for his guiding principle of the four Cs: ‘Control, Communication, Consistency, Common sense’.

Wayne Hamilton, who began umpiring in 1993, has amassed 649 senior games, including 302 in the Goulburn Valley seniors. His record features numerous grand finals across various leagues between 1994 and 2014.

Chris McCallum achieved Legend status, joining the Hall of Fame’s most prestigious tier.

His outstanding career encompasses 509 senior GVFUA games and he holds the record for most senior grand finals of any GVFUA umpire, with appearances across the GVL, MFL and KDL competitions between 1988 and 2007.

Below is a list of the other award winners.