Upper Ferntree Gully Football and Netball Club’s dedicated volunteer, Wayne Constantine has been recognised in Bunnings’ national ‘Legend of the Tongs’ initiative, in partnership with the AFL, for his unwavering support and commitment to the club.
For the past 15 years, Mr Constantine has been a constant presence behind the barbecue at the club’s Thursday trainings and Saturday home games – no matter – rain, hail or shine.
The national initiative, which celebrates grassroots volunteers who fire up the barbecues at local clubs, sees Mr Constantine take out the state-level honour for Victoria.
He is now in the running to win the ‘Legend of the Golden Tongs’ title, which includes two tickets to the AFL Grand Final and $25,000 in Bunnings products and materials for his club.
The dedicated volunteer first got involved when his son began playing in the juniors, although his son retired years ago due to injury, that didn’t stop Mr Constantine turning up – tongs in hand.
“I just enjoy it, supporting the club, talking with people, it gives me satisfaction knowing I’ve helped out,” he said.
During the pandemic, the clubrooms were condemned due to flooding and mould.
For two years, the club operated out of tents in the car park, despite the lack of shelter and ongoing challenges, Mr Constantine kept the barbecue running, he became a lifeline for both morale and the club’s finances.
“I still kept the barbecue going on Thursday nights and Saturdays. We couldn’t run functions, we couldn’t raise money but I just kept doing what I could,” he said.
Mr Constantine arrives early on game days and often spends nearly 10 hours manning the grill.
“I’ve been asked to join the committee, but with my courier work it’s too hard. Still, I help out wherever I can. People enjoy the food, and I enjoy doing it,” he said.
Veteran player and co-treasurer of the club, Wayne Stewart said Mr Constantine’s presence has become symbolic of the club’s spirit.
“Wayne has been the steady, smiling face behind the barbecue, his contribution reminds us that clubs are built not only by goals and games, but by the selfless contributions of people like Wayne,” Mr Stewart said.
“He brings a homely feel to the club. It’s not just about what you do, but how you do it and that’s critical for culture.”
Mr Stewart said that volunteers like Mr Constantine are the glue that hold community clubs together.
“Without volunteers, clubs like ours couldn’t exist. They don’t just help clubs survive, they help communities thrive.”
Winning the top national prize would be more than symbolic, Mr Stewart said it could be transformational.
“Our clubrooms were damaged during COVID and are still recovering. We had no shelter, our marquees were damaged by winds, and we dropped two divisions due to performance and retention issues,” he said.
“The $25,000 prize would help us rebuild and reinvest in the club’s future and help our community bounce back.”
Under the leadership of President Craig Bridle, the club has made huge strides in rebuilding a strong sense of community.
Initiatives such as training Player Welfare Officers and hosting talks on topics like homelessness, organ donation, breast cancer awareness and safe driving with TAC have re-ignited the spirit among members.
Mr Stewart said Wayne’s win was just as much about recognising the broader volunteer effort as it was about receiving much-needed equipment.
With his trademark modesty, Mr Constantine said he doesn’t do it for recognition but the honour has meant a lot.
“To win something like this, and know it helps the club…that makes me feel very proud,” he said.
