2021 RWA Merit Awards

Congratulations to the following people for their outstanding services to the Race Walking community.

At the 54th LBG Race Walking Carnival held in Canberra on the long weekend the following were awarded Merit Award Service Pins for their contribution to the AFRWC Inc.: Pins are awarded for 15, 25, 40 and 50 years service.

15 years Kim Mottrom SARWC;

25 years Zoe Eastwood-Bryson SARWC;

25 years Noela McKinvin QRWC;

40 years Andrew Mitchell NSWRWC;

40 years Heather Mitchell NSWRWC;

40 years Bob Cruise SARWC; and

50 years Bill Starr SARWC

Kim Mottrom has had an active role in race walking since his teenage years. At a club level Kim has undertaken activities such as Committee member, Secretary, and Competition Director, a role he currently pursues with enthusiasm. He has been a delegate for the SARWC at the AFRWC Annual Conference over recent years. Kim has also coached a small number of walkers who, with his ongoing guidance, will be highly successful.

Zoe Eastwood-Bryson first became involved in race walking in the 1980’s. Although not a serious competitor then, her interest in race walking continued more so in administration and officiating. Zoe is probably best known for her role as an international race walking judge. But apart from that, she plays a vital role in the organisation and conduct of race walking in Australia. Zoe conducts race judging seminars across Australia. She has been President of the SARWC for the past 12 years, and prior to that a Committee member of that Club.

Noela McKinvin was awarded her 25 year Service Pin in 2020, but because of COVID was unable to be recognised publically. The 54th LBG was the first opportunity the AFRWC Inc. was able to do so.
Noela has, in recent years, been crucial to the continuing involvement of persons of all ages in race walking. Not only has Noela competed as a Masters athlete in Federation events for many years with considerable success, she is active as an administrator in the QRWC and is now having an increased role in the development of young persons. She continues to participate as a QRWC delegate at AFRWC Inc AGC’s.

Andrew Mitchell has made an outstanding contribution to the AFRWC. He has been its Treasurer for 23 years, significantly longer than any other past or present office bearer. The son of NSW Race Walking stalwart Heather Mitchell, and brother of international race walking judge, Kirsten Crocker, Andrew continues to be a vital member of RWA. Andrew convenes the Special Investigation Committee of the AFRWC Inc. which examines and makes recommendations re Merit Awards and funding applications.

Heather Mitchell has been central to race walking in NSW for many years at all levels – from Little Athletics through to seniors. She is the ‘go to’ person in NSW when anyone wants information on race walking. As a NSWRWC delegate to the AFRWC Inc Annual General Conference her contribution has been invaluable, helping position it as one of the foremost race walking organisations in the world.

Bob Cruise – after more than 30 years of involvement with the ARFWC Inc, Bob Cruise received his 25 year Service Pin in 2010. He had judged, acted as a team manager at the AFRWC Inc Canberra Carnival and the Second Federation events, as well as participating as a delegate at AGC’s. Bob has continued to act as team manager for the SARWC up until recently since being involved in recording duties primarily at Second Federation events. Bob was Vice President of the AFRWC Inc. in 2016/17 and has been President for the last four years (2017/18 to 2020/21).

Bill Starr is the second person only to be awarded a 50 years service pin, Robin Whyte of the ACT being the first. Bill was first introduced to race walking at age 17 when attending Wattle Park Teachers College in Adelaide. He became a founding member of the re-born South Australian Race Walking Club in 1962, and has been involved in race walking continuously since then. As a LBG competitor Bill competed regularly in the 20 mile event. His passion for race walking has been unrivalled. During the mid to late 90’s, Bill was the only South Australian to compete in Canberra. Apart from being a competitor, Bill has been a South Australian delegate to the Annual General Conference for many years, was President of the Club for nine years and following that, Patron of the SARWC for approximately 12 years.