Jake Lock

The Boronia Hawks community has been shocked and saddened to learn of the recent passing of Jakeb Lock. Jake was a great supporter our women’s football program as the partner of Jess Buzinskas.

Go Fund Me page: In loving memory of Jakeb Lock.

Jake Lock

Jake has looked after the players’ children as part of our Little Hawka’s childcare for several years and over that time became a much loved part of the team. How lucky we were to find someone who loved our kids as much as the mums did and who gave the mums an opportunity to train and play footy because their kids were so well taken care of.

The Club’s players and supporters all express our deep sorrow and sympathy to Jess and her family and to Jake’s many family and friends. We also ask you to please consider a contribution to the Go Fund Me page, established by Candyce Wright and Erin Stanios, to assist Jess.

Go Fund Me page: In loving memory of Jakeb Lock.

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Miah’s Indigenous Designs

Miah from our Under 16 Girls team has discovered a passion for painting footy boots with traditional indigenous art.

Miah has been busy painting the boots of her team mates with meaningful symbols that relate to community, gathering and running on the field. She is currently perfecting her craft to ensure the longevity of her designs.

The Under 16 Girls had a bye today but celebrated NAIDOC Week last Sunday. Miah and her sister Zoe, who also plays in the Under 16’s team, wrote their thoughts on what NAIDOC Week means to them as young indigenous people.

“NAIDOC Week makes me feel inspired. It makes me feel more connected to my community and my people that I have in my life and grateful for everything I have.” – Zoe

“NAIDOC week means to me being able to connect to my community across Australia. Remember and recognise and commemorate all the achievements and history our first nations people have endured and created.” – Miah

We love your designs Miah and can’t wait to see more of what you create!


Recognition for Karen Little and Candyce Wright

Boronia Hawks could not be prouder to announce that Karen Little has been recognised as the winner of the 2020/2021 Local Champion for Gender Equality Awards. Karen was presented with her award by Mayor of Knox, Susan Laukens and Deputy Mayor, Nicole Seymour, at a ceremony at Boronia Church of Christ.

In further recognition of the Club’s commitment to our women’s players and supporters and the promotion of Gender Equality, Candyce Wright was also one of the three finalists for the award.

Please click here for more information on our Gender Equity Plan.

Every year PLEDGE presents the Knox Local Champions for Gender Equality Awards.  These awards are given to individuals who have made a significant contribution towards achieving greater gender equality in the City of Knox, whether through a business, organisation, or individually.

The Club would like to extend our gratitude to PLEDGE for its work in the local community to recognise the leadership of great advocates for women such as Karen and Candyce.


Club Volunteers Nominated for Gender Equality Awards

Karen Little and Candyce Wright, both outstanding volunteers for Boronia Hawks, have been nominated as finalists in the Knox Local Champions for Gender Equality Awards 2020/2021.

The award ceremony is on Wednesday 15th December. As the two finalists have been nominated for the work they have done with the Club, we invite other club volunteers, members and supporters to come to the awards ceremony to support them and celebrate their achievements and that of the club. Let’s get behind Karen and Candyce!

Please book by clicking on the following link:

  • Date- Wednesday 15th December 2021
  • Place- Boronia Community Church of Christ, 59 Boronia Rd, Boronia
  • Time- 1:30-3:30pm
  • Try booking- https://www.trybooking.com/BVUUL

Introducing the BHFNC Youth Mental Health First Aid Team

Thank you to the volunteers from our Committees, Coaching Team, Playing Groups and Trainer Team who successfully completed a Youth Mental Health First Aid course with Mental Health First Aid Australia.

The course covered how to assist adolescents who are developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis; where and how to get help; and how to provide first aid in a crisis situation.

With a focus on adolescents, our volunteer team members are available to assist anyone in our Club community including coaches, team managers, parents and players. If you would like to make contact please do so directly or through Kristan Wood (Woody), our Junior President on 0411 605 203 or via email kristan@allstaterefrigeration.com.au

  • Chloe Timms (Women’s Football Squad)
  • Danny Weston (Junior Coach and Junior Committee Member)
  • Gen Lyons (Women’s Football Squad)
  • Julie Allen (Player parent, U15 boys)
  • Lauren Porter (Auskick Assistant Co-ordinator and U9’s Team Manager)
  • Kate Vangeninden (Head Trainer)
  • Rhiannon Crompton (Women’s Football Squad)
  • Sam Dunkinson (Junior Vice President, Auskick Co-ordinator and Fundraising Committee Member)
  • Stephen Little (Trainer)

We are very appreciative to the Knox City Council for the Community Development Fund 2020/2021 which funded this training and their ongoing provision of grants to support our Club community.

Thank you to Samantha Dunkinson for coordinating the training dates and requirements with the course provider. Thank you also to Karen Little, our Director, Community and Inclusion for her incredible work as our champion of mental health support within the Club.


Knox City Council Supports Boronia Hawks


Boronia Hawks welcome the tremendous news that Knox City Council has voted on Monday night to waive annual fees for all not-for-profit community organisation for 2021. In short, we won’t pay for the use of our two grounds and pavilions again in 2021.


Council has provided enormous support to Boronia Hawks and similar sporting clubs through their COVID-19 Community and Business Support packages over the last two years. Such support is incredibly valuable as the local community emerges from the wellbeing and mental health impact of lockdown.


Local sporting clubs are important community hubs and we extend our gratitude to Yvonne Allred – Councillor for Baird Ward and Mayor Lisa Cooper – Knox City Council for their generous support in helping us to do what we do best – bring people together for health, friendship and wellbeing.

Scott Nicholas
CHAIRPERSON, BHFNC


Development of Gender Equity Plan

A working group of sixteen Club members got together last night via Zoom to launch the development of the Club’s Gender Equity Action Plan. The people involved represented all aspects of the Club’s operations and each recognised the benefits that flow on from the effective and equitable participation and integration of girls and women across the Club.

Many thanks to Karen Little and Scott Nicholas for their work in drafting the action plan.

Thank you also to the members of our working group, including Amanda Cellante, Ash Johnson, Bec Allen, Ben Robertson, Candyce Wright, Carly Dymond, David Nicholas, Greg Hannon, Julia Bortoli, Kat McMahon, Kristan Wood, Nathan Allen, Rhianna Little, Samantha Dunkinson, Wayne Preston and Ye Jeffries.

TOM BOYD for MEN’S HEALTH WEEK

A FREE ON-LINE SESSION with TOM BOYD for MEN’S HEALTH WEEK: Wednesday 17 June from 7:30pm

Join a free online presentation with former AFL footballer Tom Boyd who will share his story of going from #1 draft pick to retirement within five years.

Boronia Hawks recommends this free on-line session to all. Given the challenging environment that we are living in today, here is a great opportunity for our members, volunteers and players to get an insight from someone who had to deal with such a high level of expectation and how he worked his way through the highs and lows.


Chairman’s Update on Covid-19

The Club’s Board of Directors has been meeting regularly via Zoom in the last few months to manage the impact of Covid-19 on the Club’s operations. Following the recent announcements from the the Victorian Government, AFL Victoria and EFNL, we had an expanded Board meeting last night with representatives from our senior and junior football, netball, veterans and Auskick sections. Thanks to Ash Johnston, Candyce Wright, Kat McMahon, Sam Dunkinson and Wayne Preston for their important contributions to our preparations.

Although the Club is subject to the release of guidelines and protocols from the governing bodies, we are able to start planning for the eventual resumption of managed training sessions in groups of ten (plus a coach or manager). We are developing our own set of training guidelines so all players and coaches will fully understand their ongoing obligations to personal hygiene and social distancing. We will be ready when the time comes.

The most pleasing aspect of the meeting was to hear of the enthusiastic engagement by our senior playing groups over the last two months. Our senior mens and women’s footballers are training in isolation, but are absolutely exceeding expectations as they build their fitness. Our players and coaches are to be congratulated for their team spirit, support for each other, and dedication to the game and the Club.

We will be in touch regularly, so please keep your eye out for updates on our website and Facebook pages and groups. “Hawka Talk” will continue every Wednesday night at 7:00pm on Facebook for the foreseeable future. Please tune in!

Please take care of yourselves, family and friends. Do the right thing and we will all be able to come together again as a Club.

GO HAWKA!!!

Scott Nicholas, Chairman, Boronia Hawks Football Netball Club Inc.

Scott Nicholas, Club Chairman

A Message from OTLR: Welfare App

To OTLR’s sporting community,

Across sporting codes, we acknowledge COVID-19 has disrupted the sporting calendar at all levels. As restrictions and forced closures of facilities and businesses are implemented, along with social distancing and self-isolation regulations, we understand that all clubs have had to postpone Outside the Locker Room education sessions that were scheduled in the immediate future. It will be our priority to re-schedule these sessions with you at a time that is safe to do so.

Our welfare support, available via our mobile app or directly emailing our team at support@otlr.org.au is still available. Please read below for more information.

Our welfare support

Understandably during times like these, feelings of worry, anxiety and even panic can set in. Events like the new coronavirus pandemic can also trigger, exacerbate or prolong existing mental health challenges within individuals and communities.

Caring for our individual and collective mental health is more important than ever, and we encourage you to make the most of OTLR’s welfare support. Please continue to utilise our mobile app and encourage all club members, including players, management, coaches and support staff, to download the app and make use of the various features available.