Sport / Baseball
Baseball club hits a home run at national health awards
Rebels recognised for innovative health and wellbeing policies
Brunswick Voice
NORTH Coburg Rebels Baseball Club has won a top national award for its community leadership in promoting positive health and wellbeing.
The club, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, was announced National Good Sports Club of the Year by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation on March 26.
The club has been recognised for its policies that cover alcohol and tobacco management, illegal drugs, mental health, safe transport, and supporting junior members.
Rebels president, Danielle Senyschyn, who travelled to the awards ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra, said the club first joined the Good Sports program more than 15 years ago.
She said junior co-ordinator Andrew Malthouse had been the driving force behind involvement in the program, which encourages healthy, safe and family-friendly sporting clubs by strengthening policies and practices around alcohol consumption, sales and management, illegal drug use, safe transport, safe celebrations and mental health support.
“Awards and accolades are not why we do it,” Senyschyn said.
“We do it because we want every person who walks into our club to feel like they belong there. It’s not just about sport; it is also about community.”
The Rebels have a completely alcohol-free environment for junior activities which has seen junior membership grow and families stay involved long-term. There are no open bars at club events and the club has a health and wellbeing officer.
Senior members have embraced the culture with zero pushback as they could see the benefits for the club, Senyschyn said.
This winter, the Rebels are fielding seven senior teams and four junior teams with about 120 active players. This includes their first ever senior women’s team.
“By joining the Good Sports program, we wanted to send a clear message: our club prioritises safety and wellbeing above all else,” she said.
“We’re committed to creating an environment where everyone – regardless of age, background, or ability – feels valued, respected, and welcome.
“This award is really exciting because it validates 15 years of commitment to doing things the right way.
“While we hadn’t experienced major incidents, our committee identified an opportunity to formalise our commitment to member wellbeing. We needed a structured framework to address important issues like responsible alcohol management, mental health awareness, and safe transport.”
In addition to the national award, Courtnee Griffiths, the club’s Secretary, women’s engagement officer, and wellbeing and safety officer was announced runner-up for the Good Sports Victorian Volunteer of the Year Award.
Senyschyn said Griffiths was a great listener who had created an environment where every member felt valued, heard and supported.
“Courtnee’s approachability is legendary at our club,” Senyschyn said.
“She actively introduces herself to new members, conducts regular check-ins to ensure everyone feels comfortable, and is consistently present at training, making herself available. She’s exactly the kind of champion volunteer who makes community sport truly special.”
As a reward, the club receives a cash prize, which will go towards upgrading the club’s batting cage lighting, with energy efficient LED systems.
North Coburg Rebels were formed in 1986 by a group of local cricketers looking for a way to remain active and hone their skills during the off-season, and is the only baseball club in the City of Merri-bek.
Its programs begin with T-ball for children aged four to eight up to seniors who play in the Melbourne Winter Baseball League and the Baseball Victoria Summer League.
“We’re a small club in a niche sport, and we’re under no illusions about that, Senyschyn said.
“But we’ve always believed small changes, done consistently and with genuine care, really do make a difference … They say everything about who we are as a club and where our priorities lay.”
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