Last week, our Club President Tim Adams was nominated for a Volunteer of the Year award at the 2025 Nillumbik Community Awards — a well-deserved nod for someone whose commitment to Eltham Rugby has been unwavering.
To celebrate, we sat down with Tim to shine a spotlight on what drives him. Here’s a glimpse into his journey:
How did you first get involved with Eltham Rugby?
“In primary school, my younger son Sean was good friends with the son of Darryl Wanders … when we moved … Sean and subsequently Mark joined up with the club. It just seemed the natural thing to do to also get involved, from getting pummelled holding tackle bags through to team manager and Committee roles.”
What made you put your hand up for the President role?
“That would not be how I would describe it! While serving as Vice-President, I was cajoled/persuaded by then President, Bill Cooper, aided and abetted by the club Secretary, Adrian Richards, to nominate for the role … Little did I know….”
What do you find most rewarding about being President?
“I think being part of a community of people from different backgrounds that come together and bond over the game of rugby is very rewarding in itself… the sense of camaraderie that is generated/shared is something special.”
One of your proudest moments at the club?
“A tough one! … travelling to Cerberus for a knock-out semi-final … an understrength Eltham side won 10-5… Very proud that day!”
What would you say to someone who’s thinking about volunteering?
“Do it! … Friendships to be made, a lot of shared laughs, the occasional road trip… what could be better? … Volunteers really are the lifeblood of our community, and there is no better place to start your volunteering calling than at our club!”
And what about someone curious about rugby?
“Come on down … there are so many different formats now available … there is a greater emphasis on player safety than ever before … And just remember…. it is a global game, unlike that ‘other game’ played in Victoria.”
What inspires you to keep giving your time?
“The connection with the club has stayed … the relationships we have built … have resulted in funding for improved facilities … a girls’ rugby program … our seniors are back on the paddock. There is a lot to be positive about at Eltham RUFC.”
What does rugby mean to you personally?
“Memories… frosty Saturday mornings … sea of mud … grand final victories and painful losses … the infamous bus trips, the ‘elders’ who gather for drinks on Thursday … the shared experience … and so on.”
Fun game-day ritual?
“None, unless you call getting to the club early on game days in the fear that no-one else will turn up!”
If you could have dinner with three famous rugby players, who would you pick?
“Apologies, but I come from a rugby league background… Arthur Beetson (RIP), Billy Slater and Harry Grant!”
One thing most members wouldn’t know about you?
“I was a ten-pound Pom… grew up in NSW … after five years doing post-doctoral research in the UK and US, end up in…. Melbourne!”
✨ Thank you Tim! Our club is incredibly lucky to have Tim at the helm. His leadership, humour, and tireless efforts are a huge part of what keeps Eltham Rugby strong. We are so grateful for all the hours he puts in — and it’s a reminder that we need more people like Tim to keep our club running.
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