Jimmy Bartel has won the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award.
Presented at the Brownlow Medal Count Ceremony, the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award is named in honour of the former Melbourne Football Club President and player Jim Stynes, who passed away in 2012.
Matisse Stynes, daughter of Samantha Ludbey-Stynes and Jim Stynes, presented Jimmy Bartel with the award during the ceremony at Crown Palladium in Melbourne.
AFL Chief Executive Officer Gillon McLachlan said the award was a lasting tribute to Jim Stynes’ legacy.
“This award commemorates Jim Stynes’ significant contribution to the community and is a tribute to his standing in the game,” McLachlan said.
McLachlan praised the exceptional work all finalists - Jack Hombsch (Port Adelaide), Neville Jetta (Melbourne) and Jarrod Harbrow (Gold Coast SUNS) - for their diverse work across a number of community and charitable organisations.
“The finalists dedication and contribution to improving the community across the country is to be commended, recognised and celebrated," he said.
“Through the ‘Face up to DV’ campaign, Jimmy has demonstrated his leadership and passion for a cause which aims to raise funds to fight domestic violence.
“Jimmy was a stand out for the selection panel.
"He demonstrated his immense commitment to this cause by not shaving his face or cutting his hair for the entire AFL season to raise awareness of the issue, while also opening up about his own deeply personal experience for the greater good of others."
Bartel’s community contribution includes his support towards the 'Just Think' program, which aims to provide education about the impact of alcohol-fuelled violence.
He is also an ambassador for Cottage by the Sea, a non-government, not-for-profit registered charity that provides inspiration, fun activities and opportunities for disadvantaged young people in a positive, healthy and seaside environment.
Jimmy Bartel will receive $20,000 from the AFL and an additional $20,000 from the Jim Stynes Foundation to be donated to the charity or community program/s of his choice.
The Jim Stynes Foundation perpetuates the work of the late Jim Stynes by supporting disadvantaged youth.
Harnessing Jim’s passion for youth and sport, his allies and his charitable inceptions, the foundation curates a list of charities and distributes 100% of all donations to these worthy beneficiaries.
Past winners of the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award include Dennis Armfield (Carlton - 2015), Beau Waters (West Coast Eagles - 2014), Zac Smith (Gold Coast Suns - 2013) and Daniel Jackson (Richmond - 2012).
Nominations for the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award were sought from AFL Clubs before the selection panel chose four finalists.
The Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award selection panel for 2016 included Sam Ludbey-Stynes, 3AW broadcaster Neil Mitchell, Seven Network broadcaster Tim Watson, AFL Players’ Association representative Marissa Filipou, AFL Commissioner Kim Williams, AFL General Manager Football Operations Mark Evans, AFL Director of Events and Match Day Production Danielle Bleazby and AFL Assistant to the CEO Tony Peek.
