Julie Keillor was awarded the prestigious Sport Volunteer of the Year award at the 2024 AIS Sport Performance Awards (ASPAs) for her outstanding commitment to driving inclusivity within the Paddle community.

The well-deserving recipient is described by Shepparton Canoe Club as the ‘embodiment of volunteerism’, with one of her biggest achievements being the growth of the club’s All Abilities Paddling Program.

Thanks to Keillor’s dedication, the program has grown from three to 28 participants in just twelve months, with Julie ensuring each person receives a customised training plan and has equipment adapted to suit their individual needs.

While the award is no surprise to those around her, Keillor, like most volunteers, had a hard time accepting the recognition.

“There are so many people that do so much more than me,” she said.

“While I’m deeply honoured by this recognition, the real success story is seeing our all-abilities paddling community flourish. Every new participant who discovers the joy of paddling represents a barrier broken and a life enriched through sport.”

Keillor was among sporting stars like Lauren Parker, James Turner OAM and Kaylee McKeown who took home awards on the night, with three-time Olympic canoe slalom gold medallist Jessica Fox being one of the first to congratulate Julie on her win.