The inaugural recipient of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame’s new Unsung Hero Award epitomises the heart and soul of community sport.
Allan Chandler has been a driving force in grassroots sports for close to 40 years in Victoria by promoting the inclusion of juniors, women and senior community athletes in football and cricket across the Melbourne suburbs of Coburg and Glenroy.
Despite personal hardship as a full-time carer for his wife Helen, who is suffering from dementia, Chandler has tirelessly continued his many volunteer roles in sport.
Sport Australia Hall of Fame chairman John Bertrand believes Chandler embodies the heart and soul of the country.
“At a time when we are questioning ourselves in our ability to generate social cohesion between communities, Allan demonstrates what is good about Australia,” Bertrand said.
“AFL, AFLW, Cricket, Netball, Allan has and is doing it all. Pro bono within all these administrations, his contribution via the power of sport to the community is amazing.”
Chandler was presented with the Unsung Heroes Award and a cheque for $10,000 sponsored by Sportscover and Code Sports at Monday night’s Hall of Fame gala dinner in Melbourne.
Over his 37 years as President of Coburg Districts Football Club, Chandler has strived to provide a safe and inclusive community environment for young people to pursue their sporting goals.
He re-established the junior program at Coburg in 2013 as well as championing the creation of the club’s senior women’s football Program in 2019.
Chandler has also enjoyed a 50-year membership at the Glenroy Cricket Club as player, committee member, junior coach and sponsor.
He was also instrumental in Glenroy Cricket Club’s survival by merging with Glenroy Amateur Cricket Club in 2004.
Chandler’s other achievements include life membership of both the Coburg Districts Football Club and Western Region Football and Netball League.
He is also a four-time Clubman of the Year at Coburg and the 2008 AFL Victoria Community Volunteer of the Year.
The Unsung Heroes Award winner was selected by a distinguished judging panel featuring swim legend Dawn Fraser, former world marathon champion Robert de Castella, AFL great Kevin Sheedy, Test batting star David Boon, hockey great Ric Charlesworth, Olympic champion cyclist Anna Meares, Paralympic champion Louise Savage, and Olympic hockey gold medallist Nova Peris.