Old Girl Honoured with 2024 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award

POSTED November 26 2024 , News, Old Girls

St Mary’s Old Girl, Madi Scanlon (’18), has been recognised with the prestigious 2024 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award for her exceptional contributions to community service. Madi, who plays AFLW for the Fremantle Dockers, received the honour during the W Awards in Melbourne, a fitting acknowledgment of her commitment to empowering others and creating meaningful change.

The Jim Stynes Award is presented annually to an AFL or AFLW player who demonstrates the values of the late Melbourne champion – leadership, empathy, and a commitment to community. Madi’s work as a Sporting Mentor at Melaleuca Women’s Prison and her role as a volunteer surf instructor with Ocean Heroes exemplify these qualities.

Since September 2023, Madi has regularly visited Melaleuca Women’s Prison, where she runs football clinics designed to foster teamwork, connection and wellbeing among inmates. With up to 95% of the prison population being survivors of physical and sexual violence, her sessions offer a rare opportunity for participants to experience camaraderie and the joy of physical activity in a supportive environment. Her leadership has also inspired several participants to join sporting teams after their release, helping them build a sense of belonging and confidence as they reintegrate into the community.

Madi’s contributions extend beyond the football field. As a volunteer with Ocean Heroes, she helps children on the autism spectrum experience the benefits of organised sport in a safe and inclusive environment. In a 24-hour swim event for the organisation, Madi and her fellow volunteers raised an incredible $215,000, ensuring Ocean Heroes can continue offering free and transformative activities for neurodiverse communities across Australia.

For her efforts, Madi will receive $40,000 to donate to a charity or community program of her choice, further amplifying her impact.

AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon commended her achievements, saying, “Madi should feel very proud of the positive impact she’s having in the community. Her work at Melaleuca Women’s Prison and with Ocean Heroes showcases her leadership and her dedication to helping others.”

Fremantle Dockers CEO Simon Garlick echoed the sentiment, describing Madi as “an unwavering force for good in our community.” He added, “Her work reflects the values we hold dear at Fremantle. The Club and the Freo Family couldn’t be prouder of her incredible efforts.”

Jim Stynes Foundation Chair Russel Howcroft also praised Madi, saying, “She truly embodies the values Jim stood for—empathy, courage, and service. Her dedication to creating positive change makes her an outstanding recipient of this award.”

Madi’s story is a testament to the power of sport to inspire and transform lives. As a proud St Mary’s Old Girl, her leadership and compassion reflect the values instilled during her school years. She stands as a role model for the next generation, proving that even beyond the game, the impact of an individual can ripple through communities and change lives.