Inducting Life Members 2025
Celebrating Three Extraordinary Volunteers: Renee, Hayley and Camille Inducted as Life Members at Maroubra Saints
At the heart of every thriving community club are volunteers who give tirelessly of their time, energy, and passion. This season, Maroubra Saints proudly welcomes Renee, Hayley and Camille as Life Members, recognising their outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to the club. Each of these fabulous volunteers has shaped the Saints’ culture, strengthened our community, and inspired players, families, and fellow volunteers.
Hayley: A True Club Legend
Hayley’s passion, leadership, and tireless commitment have had a massive impact at the Saints for years. A leader and a doer, she sees what needs to be done and makes it happen. On the field, Hayley coached the Youth Girls from U12 to U18 and the current U13 boys team, leading her teams to an incredible seven premierships across boys and girls. Beyond coaching, she instils values of effort, choice, and teamwork, helping her players grow as athletes and as well-rounded individuals.
Off the field, Hayley dedicated three seasons to ground managing every home game with her famous “Kirk Krew,” served six years on the committee, and has worn many hats to support the club wherever needed. She has also played a key role in organising events, managing trophies and uniforms and mentoring new coaches and volunteers.
Hayley has been a driving force in championing diversity and inclusion, including the creation of the Saints’ first Indigenous jersey, a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. Hayley’s passion and impact reach far beyond the field. Her dedication has helped shape the Saints’ culture and strengthen its community for years to come.
Renee: Leadership and Legacy
Renee has been an outstanding volunteer at the Saints for over six years, including five as President. A hands-on leader and true ambassador, she has been deeply involved in all aspects of club operations – canteen management, merchandise, player retention and development, event organisation, sponsorship and community engagement.
As President, Renee led by example, guiding the club and community with authenticity and integrity. Her genuine approach earned the trust and support of everyone involved, and her initiatives were widely embraced. She was instrumental in strengthening the club’s foundations, ensuring sustainable growth and a strong sense of belonging for all members.
Beyond leadership, Renee has always remained connected to the grassroots – often found at the BBQ, in the canteen, or at the uniform shop, chatting with players and parents. Even after stepping down as President, she continues to support the club, offering her time, guidance and good humour wherever needed.
Renee’s unwavering commitment, warmth, and generosity have left a lasting legacy at the Saints. Her leadership has shaped the club’s culture and community spirit, making her a highly deserving Life Member.
Camille: Community Builder and Connector
Camille has been a passionate and dedicated volunteer at the Saints since 2015. Starting as a Team Manager for the U6s, she has worn many hats over the years – Team Manager, Manager of Managers, fundraiser, social media coordinator and committee member, to name a few. Her focus has always been on building community, connecting parents, and supporting our volunteers.
Camille’s leadership, creativity and dedication have had a huge impact across the club, helping build a strong, connected and inclusive community. She has been the driving force behind the Saints’ communication channels, launching and managing the club’s Facebook and Instagram pages to celebrate players, strengthen engagement across the broader community and share the spirit of the club. She is also the go-to person for the Saints parent community, always ready to answer questions, lend support, or rally volunteers.
Over the years, Camille has organised countless end of season parties, events, and fundraisers that have become highlights of the Saints calendar. Highly organised and always community-minded, she embodies the true Saints spirit. This year, Camille was awarded the Trever Bynre Volunteer of the Year Award by AFL Sydney Juniors for her outstanding contribution and service. Recognised now with Life Membership, her enthusiasm and dedication continue to inspire the Saints family.
Thank you Renee, Hayley and Camille!!!
This season, we celebrate Renee, Hayley and Camille for their service, leadership, and impact. Their commitment has strengthened the Saints’ culture, supported our players and families and helped build a club community we’re all proud to be part of. Life Membership is a small but heartfelt recognition of their contributions and lasting influence at Maroubra Saints.
Maroubra Saints – Silver Soiree
🎉 You’re Invited to the Maroubra Saints’ 25 Years Silver Soirée! 🥂
A quarter century of Saints magic deserves a celebration like no other. Join us for an unforgettable night as we mark 25 incredible years of community, spirit and sparkle.
Theme: Silver Soirée!! We are celebrating in style, wear something silver! Whether it’s a touch of shimmer or full metallic glam, come dressed to dazzle.
The night will be filled with music, entertainment, delicious canapes, plenty of dancing and memories!!
- Date: Friday 5th September
- Venue: Clovelly Surf Club
- Time: From 6.30pm
- Tickets: $65 includes delicious canapes, entertainment, lucky door prizes and heaps of fun!!
Book the babysitter and get your tickets.
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/maroubra-saints-end-of-season-party-2025
Please note this is an adults-only event.
Meet the President – Liam Burns
We’re excited to share this catch-up with Liam Burns, who stepped into the role of Club President at the start of the season.
With big shoes to fill after Renee’s five-year term, Liam brings fresh ideas and plenty of enthusiasm for the club’s future. In this interview, he shares a little about his background, how he got involved with the club, and his hopes for the seasons ahead.
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Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself—where you grew up and the sports you played as a kid?
I grew up in Newcastle, playing soccer in winter, sailing skiffs in summer and swimming and surfing nearly all year round. When I was 18 or 19, I was playing grade soccer for a small club that was very exclusive around who played first grade. I’d had enough of the politics and so my stepfather (a Victorian) suggested giving AFL a go. I went down to Newcastle City and joined up, falling in love with our game instantly.
Newcastle City was a great club, warm, inviting and welcoming of all people and abilities. I played nearly 100 games there before I moved to Sydney for work, where I played 2 seasons with Sydney University before my Achilles (both of them) decided it was time to hang up the boots.
Q: How did you first get involved with The Saints?
When my eldest son was 4, I was keen to us both involved. We came down to the first training in 2019 and I became one of the coaches in the Under 5s in Auskick. To this day I am still coaching him, and it is one of the most joyous things to see all the kids grow and develop their skills and approach to footy. I’ve developed strong friendships with parents too.
Q: What would you say to parents who might be thinking about getting more involved in the club? Where’s the best place to start?
Anyone can get involved, play and most importantly be part of a great club that is welcoming, fun and community focussed. Whether as a player or volunteer, it’s just getting in there and having a go. I came to football ‘late’ and played for nearly 10 years and during that time formed great friendships, had wonderful experiences and kept in ‘relative’ shape.
Q: Where do you see the biggest opportunities for our club to grow over the next three years?
Our club has amazing traditions and is inclusive and community oriented. We have some great opportunities to continue to grow. Our committee has been working hard in many areas for example, a focus is on increasing girls’ participation and skills; we’re working with the AFL on establishing an Indigenous program; creating pathways to senior football; and improving our grounds and facilities (including contingencies for wet weather). During the year and into 2026 we intend on making announcements on these and other great opportunities.
Q: Why do you think being part of a local sports club is so important for kids?
Kids need sport and social activities to grow and develop, and a local sports club allows children foster relationships with others beyond their immediate circle and the school they attend. Sport allows children to develop discipline, teamwork and resilience.
Q: And what about your own family—are they involved in sports too?
My boys have tried may sports and the only one that sticks is AFL. They’ve done nippers and soccer and are now exploring mountain bike riding. Hopefully they stick with AFL, they have some cousins who play for Glebe so there is a bit of healthy competitive tension there.
Q: Now, the big question—who’s your footy team, and why?
I cheer cheered when I read this question! I’ve supported the Swannies since I took up footy and I became a member when I moved to Sydney. My whole family are now members too and although they’re not as passionate as I am, we love going to the footy (except Grand Finals).
Q: Quickfire round!
Flat White, Long Black, Latte, Skinny Cap, or Beer? Got to start the day with a flat white, but nothing like a refreshing Sydney craft brewed Pale Ale to wind down.
Bacon & Egg Roll, Sausage Roll, Salad Roll, or Meat Pie? Oh I cannot go past a bacon and egg roll, no sauce!
Q: How do you keep yourself fit these days?
Coaching two teams gets my steps up and out of season it is regular gym and jogging – a great way to clear the mind.
Q: Any final thoughts or words of encouragement for The Saints community to round out 2025 and getting ready for 2026?
For the kids and players, always have a footy. Regular kicking is a great way to improve your skills.
For parents and volunteers, keep involved, come to the amazing functions we put on and help where you can – look out for the Women in Sport lunch, end of season party, and the golf day. There are many ways to get involved and support our amazing club.
Go Saints!
Inspiring Insights from Saints Life Member Bron Gulden
Bron Gulden – Saints Life Member | Academy Coach | Footy Trailblazer
Last month, we had the privilege of hearing from Bron Gulden, Maroubra Saints Life Member, at our season launch and coaches and managers info night.
Bron has deep roots in our club, with two of her children having played for the Saints. She was instrumental in the club’s early growth and development.
Growing up in the 1970s, Bron wasn’t allowed to play football herself, but she was always at her dad’s side around the footy club. Those early experiences helped her develop great skills that she later passed down to her children. Her daughter Senna was the only girl in Maroubra Saints Auskick at the time, by the time she was 10 or 11. Bron and the then president, worked hard to find as many girls as they could and then with AFL Sydney started the first junior girls games with another composite team from the North. Senna was only 11 and the teams age could probably be classified as an average under 16s and the team played every few weeks when they had enough numbers. Incredibly in a little over 10 years, thanks to the seeds Bron planted, Maroubra now has 2 teams in each age group from under 9s to under 17s, last year making every grand final. The Swans Academy female program is in its ninth year and the Swans AFLW are into their forth season.
Now in her ninth season as Academy Coach, Bron leads the U16 girls and assists with the U18 girls. She was also the Back Line coach for the Swans AFLW team for three seasons, her introduction to elite sport. Bron’s journey to coaching at the elite level wasn’t easy – after completing all her certifications and experience at the Saints, it took persistent lobbying to secure her the coaching role.
During her talk, Bron shared memorable stories, including the AFL9s team where her son Errol played alongside Senna, Abe and Ben Davis (former Maroubra Saints and AFL listed players [Swans and Adelaide respectively]) when Errol was just 12.
Wisdom for Coaches
Bron emphasised how coaches’ conversations with players shape their experience. “Coaches have a great deal of influence on the sideline. It’s about striking the right balance between competition and participation,” she noted. “It’s about development, teamwork and creating an environment where every player has a role to play.”
One of her most powerful messages was redefining success: “Success isn’t on the scoreboard, it’s about how players grow and support each other. We rarely talk about results, it’s about changing the narrative about what you are playing for. True success is bringing someone else into the game, lifting a teammate, creating opportunities and making those around you better. That’s what we talk about in the change rooms.”
Bron encourages shifting the focus to why we play: “Are we playing to improve? To challenge ourselves? To be better teammates?” This mindset, she believes, fosters resilience and a lasting love for the game.
“The biggest thing you can do is share your knowledge, your love for the game and seeing players develop in themselves in the coaching space is so fulfilling,” she said.
In an inspiring demonstration of her own philosophy, Bron made her AFL debut with UNSW at age 55, playing alongside our former Saints president, Renee Beck.
Thank you, Bron, for sharing your wisdom and stories with our coaching community.