The AFLUA congratulates Ben Carbonaro, Rhys Gilday, and Mick Gilday on being awarded Honorary Life Memberships, which were proudly presented at the Fiona McBurney Season Launch on Tuesday 24th of March.
Ben Carbonaro was nominated for his “unstinting dedication to the umpires and the Association and AFL.”
Ben has worked with the AFL umpiring department since 2015, assisting with property management, uniforms, administration, and training sessions.
In his nomination, Chris Donlon stated:
“Ben’s influence extends deeply into the welfare and culture of the AFLUA, particularly through his commitment to the Fiona McBurney Match Day Experience. Ben has shown immense personal dedication. He has been instrumental in the planning and coordination of the experience, ensuring participants’ uniforms are organised and provided, and match day experience runs smoothly.”
“Ben Carbonaro’s 11 years of service have been marked by consistent, reliable, and dutiful support for umpiring. He epitomises the ideal of an Honorary Life Member: an individual who in the face of challenges has demonstrated commitment to the AFLUA beyond the role as Property Steward. “
Father and son Mick and Rhys Gilday were awarded life memberships in recognition of their decade of outstanding support for AFL umpires.
Rhys, who is on the autism spectrum, is universally known as the umpires’ biggest fan. Supported by his dad Mick, the pair have attended umpiring training sessions and games for the past ten years.
In their nomination for life membership, Chris Donlon acknowledged the enduring and infectious effect that Rhys’ support and positivity provides the umpires.
Rhys and Mick Gilday receive their honorary AFLUA Life Membership
“Everyone connected to umpiring, be it field, boundary or goal, past or present, trainers, coaches, administrators, media or players have felt the unwavering support and encouragement from Rhys.”
“Everyone has felt the excitement and cheer from Rhys at the race or over the fence. There is no one more genuinely enthusiastic to greet umpires, build bonds and provide a constant source of positivity for umpiring.”
Last year Rhys and Mick were the subject of a short documentary as a part of a partnership between the AFL, VicScreen and the Melbourne International Film Festival. The heartwarming and touching film is available to view on the AFL’s website here. Ben Carbonaro also features as an interviewee.
Congratulations to Ben, Rhys and Mick on their honorary life memberships. Their outstanding contributions to have helped to strengthen and inspire the umpiring community.