Shark Crew volunteers acknowledged for hard work

To celebrate the outstanding contribution of tireless Shark Crew volunteers throughout 2024, Sharks Have Heart hosted a 'thank you' afternoon tea at Sharks Stadium on Thursday, December 5.

Passionately taking on a variety of key game-day roles, Shark Crew's responsibilities included running the 50-50 Charity Raffle, assisting with the organisation of pre-game and half-time Junior Rugby League matches, escorting mascots around Sharks Stadium, greeting Members at the gates and much more.

Shark Crew members have also generously donated their time to assist at school holiday clinics and other Sharks Have Heart community initiatives.

Sharks Group CEO Dino Mezzatesta, Head of Community & Government Relations Vinh Tran and Community Engagement Manager Luke Koutrodimos addressed the group at the afternoon tea, acknowledging their unwavering support and effort this season and expressing the crucial role volunteers play in helping the club run smoothly.

Each volunteer was then presented with a Certificate of Appreciation on the field, where Shark Crew reflected on their achievements during a phenomenal year.

Driven by the core value of uniting as "One Team", Shark Crew collaborated seamlessly under the guidance of Sharks Have Heart to elevate game days.

"Our volunteers give so much to our club throughout each season and events like our afternoon tea allow Sharks Have Heart to acknowledge the hard work each volunteer puts in," Mr Koutrodimos said.

"I am really proud of how Shark Crew bought into our core value of being One Team and it was reflected in how well everyone worked together this season."

Long-time Shark Crew member Naomi Beveridge shared her thoughts on a terrific season, with her duties including leading the Sharks mascots around the stadium.

"The biggest kick I get out of it is when the little kids get to shake one of the mascots’ hands," Ms Beveridge said.

"Their eyes light up, they get so big, and they're just amazed – big kids and little kids! They go out of their way to get a photo with the mascots. It brings a lot of joy to a lot of people.

"(Being part of Shark Crew) is very rewarding. You make a lot of friendships and you make a lot of people happy."

Mina Antoun, whose main role was selling 50-50 Charity Raffle tickets, added: "Every time I go and volunteer, I feel like I'm making a little difference in the club and the charity organisation that we volunteer for. That always feels awesome.

"It's always fun and always rewarding to be able to connect with so many people," Mr Antoun continued.

"Being part of this team, it's more than just volunteering. It's a team that really cares about what they're doing, about the community, about what they are giving back. The energy of the team itself is just brilliant.

"It's a great experience. You meet great people and you feel that you are part of a great team. I encourage everyone to do it."

Daniel Gorrie, a schoolteacher whose 2024 highlight was organising junior league players for their pre-game and half-time matches, also praised the unity among Shark Crew.

"It's always about working together as one," Mr Gorrie said.

"They do that very well at Cronulla. Cronulla are very good in regards with Sharks Have Heart and actually spending time in the community and having the players as role models.

"Even having the CEO talk to us the other day shows that everyone is really working together. It's not just telling us to do stuff, they actually thank us for our time.

"If you have a love for Cronulla, (Shark Crew) is a great way to spend time with people who have the same passion for the club."