To mark Volunteer Week, we’re spotlighting Robyn Irvine — a driving force behind the scenes at St Mary’s for over 30 years.
Robyn first got involved in 1993 when her son Matthew joined Tackers after a school coordinator recommended the club. Since then, she’s become one of the club’s most dedicated and enduring volunteers.
From the early days in the juniors to supporting the senior club when her husband Kym became the inaugural Senior Men’s coach, Robyn has always stepped in wherever needed—cleaning rooms and uniforms, selling merchandise, and preparing meals for players and families on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Even now, long after Matthew stopped playing, Robyn’s still at it—prepping food for Ladies Day this weekend while still serving up Thursday night meals with her long-time friend Liz.
For Robyn, volunteering has always been about connection. “You meet new people, many who’ve become lifelong friends. If you’re not helping out, you miss so much of what the Club is all about.”
Among her proudest memories? Watching both her daughter Rachel and daughter-in-law Hayley (who met Matthew through the Club) play in our first netball teams and win the club’s very first flags—on the same night. “It was incredible to see so many supporters there. A real community moment.”
And who could forget the club’s first ever Seniors match against Panton Hill— the culmination of years of hard work by volunteers. The scoreboard didn’t go our way, but it was a proud moment for everyone involved.
Today, Robyn’s come full circle and is now watching her grandson in Under 8s and her granddaughter in Auskick.
Robyn and her husband Kym have been honoured with life membership at both the junior and senior clubs. But for Robyn, the greatest achievement is simply seeing how far the club has come.
“Seeing the new clubrooms and everything we have today — it’s all because people volunteered. All I can say is: join in and help a little. You won’t regret it.”
Thank you, Robyn for helping shape St Mary’s.
SMFNC 