Diana Taylor and Bill McMaster, who were recognized on the Australia Day 2024 Honours List last week, are
celebrated by the Geelong Football Club.
Taylor received the Member of the Order of Australia (General Division) Award for his significant service to
Australian rules football and the Geelong community, and McMaster received the Medal of the Order of Australia
(OAM) in the General Division for his service to Australian rules football in the Barwon South West Region. These
awards are given out as part of the Australian Honours and Awards system, which recognises the outstanding service
and contributions of Australians.
In addition to holding senior board positions in the AFLW Competition, the VFL Tribunal and Appeal Boards, and
the Western Region Football League, Taylor is now the vice president of the Geelong Football Club.
Taylor expressed her gratitude and honor at being granted the Member of the Order of Australia (General Division)
Award.
“Being acknowledged for my contributions to Australian rules football and the Geelong community, two of my
greatest passions, makes me feel immensely privileged. I have tried my hardest to improve the lives of those in my
community and at work, as well as the game I love, which is, in my opinion, Australia’s most powerful force for
good,” Taylor stated.
“I have had the honor and delight of working with many amazing people who are deeply committed to giving back to
their communities and who dedicate their entire being to improving the lives and organizations in which they are
involved. Their deeds and commitment to selfless service inspire me.
One of the oldest Australian football players still playing in the Premiership is McMaster, a lifelong member of the
Geelong Cats. He played in the 1951 and 1952 VFL Premierships and served in a variety of capacities for the Geelong
Football Club, including senior coach, master recruiter, and board member.
Stephen Wells, the recruiting manager for the Geelong Cats, expressed his happiness at McMaster’s recognition.
“Throughout his football career, Bill never looked for praise for his work; instead, he always did everything with a
smile on his face and a great sense of pride. He adores the team and the game, so I’m happy to see him win this
honor.
The CEO of the Geelong Cats, Steve
Hocking, expressed the club’s pride in the
accomplishments of all acknowledged
Australians, especially the contributions that
Taylor and McMaster have made to Geelong.
“We are happy to see Diana and Bill’s work
recognized. There are a lot of volunteers in
our area who dedicate many hours of time
and energy to making sure football can
continue and create enduring memories for
many. They have both made significant
contributions to our Club and are ingrained
in our illustrious history as trailblazers in
their own right.
