Finalists for the 2014 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award

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http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2014-08-06/waters-a-community-award-finalist

Beau Waters
Through his ongoing work with a number of community and charitable organisations, West Coast Eagles defender Beau Waters has donated considerable time and energy to a number of important initiatives that continue to positively impact the community. Through his role as an ambassador for the Cancer Council WA over the past decade, Beau has been the catalyst for the West Coast Eagles raising almost $1 million dollars for cancer research. In addition, Beau is an active board member for Youth Focus, an organisation that supports vulnerable young people in WA by offering a range of health services, an inaugural committee member of the Young Mens Project Committee which raises awareness of mental illness in young men, a regular Camp Quality volunteer and fund-raiser and a committee member of the WA Healthy Awards which is overseen by Healthways WA.

Kade Simpson
Towards the end of the 2013 season, Kade Simpson approached the Carlton Football Clubs player welfare manager wanting to shave his infamous beard to raise money for Down Syndrome Victoria. From that point Kade worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the project, driving engagement through the clubs website and social media channels. As a result, Kade raised more than $30,000 for Down Syndrome Victoria before becoming an official ambassador for the organisation and undertaking a range of activities in the community in support of children with Down Syndrome. In addition to his ongoing community work with Down Syndrome Victoria, Kade maintains a commitment to the Royal Childrens Hospital through regular monthly visits.

Mathew Stokes
As the first Aboriginal player to be on the Geelong Football Clubs player leadership group, Mathew Stokes has shown outstanding leadership and mentoring skills both at his club and throughout the broader Indigenous community. He has been a driver for the health education program Deadly Choices, a campaign that seeks to raise awareness and address health issues amongst young Aboriginals. Mathew has been tireless in engaging the local and national Indigenous community, attending a range of community and political forums to promote a number of Aboriginal health initiatives. He was a key contributor to Geelongs close the gap round and the development of the Clubs second Reconciliation Action Plan, and continues to act as a mentor to young Aboriginal people in the local Geelong community.

Travis Boak
Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak has demonstrated a commitment to upholding community values through his work with the Childhood Cancer Association. Having originally approached the Childhood Cancer Association in 2010 to become involved in supporting patients and their families at the Associations North Adelaide centre, Travis has gone on to become a dedicated ambassador for the organisation, working directly with cancer patients at the Womens and Childrens Hospital, supporting fundraising events and participating in campaigns aimed at raising awareness and vital funds. Travis continues to make a huge contribution to the organisation through supporting people with cancer and helping to further develop the Associations footprint in the community