🏐 PRESIDENT’S PIECE - JANUARY 2026
Hi Freezoners,
Welcome to 2026! After a huge finish to last year — from our AGM to the Awards Night and the final Social Sunday sessions — it’s time to take stock, celebrate what we achieved together, and look ahead to a year already shaping up to be one of our biggest.
⭐ A Look Back at December — AGM & Awards Night Wrap‑Up
Annual General Meeting 2024–25
Thank you to everyone who attended the AGM in November. Your presence and participation reaffirmed what makes Freezone special: a community that shows up, contributes, and cares about the club’s future.
We reviewed the year’s operations, finances, and achievements, and elected a new committee to lead us into 2026.
End of Year Xmas Party & Awards
Our Awards Night was a fantastic celebration of the players who bring energy, colour, and heart to Freezone. With great food, great company, and a packed room, it was the perfect way to close out 2025 at the Newtown Hotel.
🏆 2025 Freezone Awards — Congratulations to Our Winners
Your votes and nominations highlighted the players who made a real impact on and off the court. A huge congratulations to all our award recipients:
- Most Athletic Player on Court: Andrew Drake
- Most Enthusiastic Team Member: Non Pimpisan
- Best Dressed Player: Sia Chueachomphu
- Most Improved Rookie Player (2 weeks free): Gabriel Ospina
- Best Improved Middle Blocker (2 weeks free): George Cassimatis
- Best Improved Setter (2 weeks free): Jack Natthakit
- Best Improved Outside/Opposite Hitter (2 weeks free): Marco Nocera
- Most Valuable Team Player (Coaching New Players): JM
- Best Attendance — Wednesday: Rong Chen
- Best Attendance — Sunday: Bon Chongpermsup
- President’s Award: Bon Chongpermsup
These players embody the spirit of Freezone — dedication, growth, inclusivity, and community.
🌈 Sydney Mardi Gras Volleyball Tournament 2026 — Countdown On!
Registrations are still open — but not for long. There are limited team spots remaining in the Women’s division and Mixed division, and these will close soon. If you’ve been thinking about entering a team, now is the moment to lock it in.
This year’s tournament is shaping up to be one of the most vibrant yet, with plenty of Mardi Gras flair added to the action on court. For those players who love volleyball, why not play on both days - Mens or Womens one day, and Mxed on Sunday !
Event Details
📅 Saturday 21 Feb — Men’s & Women’s
📅 Sunday 22 Feb — Mixed
⏰ 10am–6pm
📍 Perry Park Recreation Centre
💲 $290 per team
What to expect in 2026
- A DJ pumping out tunes all day for full Mardi Gras vibes
- A special guest drag performer making an appearance
- A Best Dressed Team Uniform prize awarded each day — bring your colour, creativity, and sparkle
How to Register
Email Recreation@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au with:
- Team name
- Division (Men’s, Women’s, or Mixed)
- Current competition level
This event is one of the highlights of the Freezone calendar — inclusive, social, competitive, and full of pride.
📅 Social Sessions Return — Key Dates & New Pricing for 2026
Social Sundays
- First session back: Sunday 18 January
- No play: Sunday 25 January (Australia Day weekend)
- No play: Sunday 22 February (Mardi Gras Tournament weekend)
Warrior Wednesdays
- First session back: Wednesday 14 January
Updated Fees - Effective 1 January 2026.
Wednesday
- Members: $12.00
- Non‑members: $18.50
Sunday
- Members: $18.00
- Non‑members: $27.50
These small increases are necessary because of the increased court hire fees that are being charged by the venues for our sessions throughout the year.
📝 Sunday Registration Reminders.
To keep things fair and accessible, Sunday registrations follow a clear weekly schedule:
- Monday 7am: Members‑only registration opens until sold out
- Tuesday 8am: Limited non‑member spots released until sold out
- Tuesday 12pm: Members‑only waitlist opens
Sunday spots fill quickly — set your reminders so you don’t miss out.
🎉 NEW: Monthly Birthday Social — Launching This Sunday
We’re excited to introduce a new monthly social catch‑up to celebrate everyone with a birthday that month. It’s a relaxed way to unwind after volleyball, connect with the community, and raise a glass to our birthday Freezoners.
If it’s your birthday month, your first drink is on us.
January Birthday Social
📅 Sunday 18 January
📍 The Beresford Hotel Beer Garden, Surry Hills
⏰ From 6:30pm
February Birthday Social
📅 Sunday 8 February
📍 Bat and Ball Hotel
⏰ From 6:30pm
Everyone is welcome — whether it’s your birthday or you just want to join the celebration.
There’s plenty more in the pipeline — and as always, your ideas and involvement help shape what Freezone becomes.
Andrew Wilmot
President (He/Him)
