Naracoorte United SC’s Jon Thurlow last week became a winner at The Governor’s Multicultural Awards, taking home a prestigious Volunteer award for his services on the Limestone Coast.
The Governor’s Multicultural Awards recognises and celebrate outstanding South Australians who promote multiculturalism and increase understanding of the benefits of cultural diversity in our community.
South Australians nominate an individual, team or organisation that is passionate about making a positive contribution to multiculturalism and intercultural understanding and promoting our culturally diverse state.
Winners of the 2022 Governor’s Multicultural Awards were announced at an award ceremony at Government House on Thursday 9 March 2023, with Jon’s award being presented by Football SA World Cup Legacy Ambassador and Adelaide United legend, Bruce Djite.
For more than 15 years Jon Thurlow has tirelessly supported the integration of multicultural youth into South Australia’s southeast community through his voluntary work with the Naracoorte United Soccer Club as a coach and a committee member. He recently initiated girls and women's soccer teams for migrant women who culturally aren’t permitted to play with boys and men, leading negotiations with families and supporting the young women to develop confidence through sport. Jon’s efforts have helped the Naracoorte United Soccer Club grow, with more than 70 per cent of players currently from culturally diverse backgrounds, making it a social hub for families and a safe, accepting place for migrant women.
On acceptance of the award, Jon said:
“I was amazed and honoured to be a finalist in the Governor’s Multicultural Awards. I was very surprised when they called my name out as the winner. It’s fantastic recognition for something that I really enjoy doing. I’d like to give thanks to everyone that supports me at Naracoorte United SC and my family.”
Football South Australia congratulates Jon on this outstanding achievement and further to this, his work in Naracoorte.