The Warwick Marsden Award

Warwick Marsden was a champion of rogaining in NSW during the 1980s and 1990s. He was an early competitor in rogaines, participating in one of the earliest international events. His friendliness in inviting people to try Rogaining brought many people to the sport. His expertise for organising events and in the management of the NSWRA committee greatly improved our sport.

In particular, Warwick was responsible for building the annual Paddy Pallin 6-hour event from a low key event into one that regularly attracted over 600 competitors. He was quietly spoken and a happy face around many hash houses, both as an organiser and as a participant. Sadly Warwick died from cancer in July 1995.

The Warwick Marsden Award celebrates his contributions to the sport. It is awarded to volunteers of any skill level for their exceptional contribution to the sport in NSW, and is normally presented at the first event each year. To make a nomination for the Warwick Marsden Award, please contact the Committee.

Recipients

2023

Richard Sage & Nihal Danis

2022

Graham Field

2021

Keith Fone

2020

Chris Stevenson

2019

Pam and Bob Montgomery

2018

Mark von Huben

2016

Ted Woodley

2015

Gill Fowler

2012

Michael Watts

2012

Bob Gilbert

2011

Mike Hotchkis

2007

Ian Dempsey

2006

Alan Mansfield

2003

Jennifer Borrell and John Keats

2002

Tony Maloney

2001

Stephen Castle

2000

Julian Ledger

1999

Bert and Dianne van Netten

1998

Graeme and Vicki Cooper

1997

Trevor Gollan

Chris Stevenson

(Nearly) every year, we highlight one or two people who stand out due to their energy and efforts in supporting our sport in NSW. These people tend to be organisers, though in 2018 we honoured Mark von Huben for his behind-the-scenes care of our equipment. And last year we chose Pam and Bob Montgomery because, for so many years, they cheerfully help out at so many events (with parking, admin, etc.) and then they usually stay to collect flags afterwards, and now they’ve moved into course setting.

This year we’d like to acknowledge someone who is an organiser and has ALSO worked tirelessly behind the scenes. I announce the recipient of this year’s Warwick Marsden Award as … Chris Stevenson.

Chris has been our Webmaster and IT person since 2015 which means, rather than be involved in organising a specific event, he has to do something for every rogaine, ensuring the promotion, final instructions and results are online and accurate. He implemented the Pointscore competition that we reinstated in 2018.

Chris is critical to our Social Media presence; that means eNewsletters, Facebook, and being the most regular contributor to our Forum, with his interesting, and sometimes intimate reviews.

On top of that, last year, when our website crashed (I won’t divert into cause and effect of that incident) Chris had to spend days (weeks?) to recover the system and data, all under pressure associated with an upcoming rogaine.

But wait there’s more, last year he also took on the coordination and catering for the Nyctophobia Spookie event in July. I hope many of you enjoyed getting out into the darkness. And this year he’s volunteered to coordinate the Metrogaine.

I recall Warwick Marsden as someone who had Humanity, Humility and Humour.

Chris doesn’t show a lot of Humanity. He can be intolerant, and impatient… someone who just gets in and gets things done. He likes to lead.

Chris doesn’t show much Humility. He likes to push himself and others, he likes to compete, and be proud of his achievements

Chris DOES have a great sense of Humour. He sees the quirky & ironic side of things, he has the appropriate wisecrack, and the occasional dad-joke. You can see it in his online presence.

What Chris DOES have is a passion for the sport and lots of energy – beyond all those background tasks, he attended every NSW rogaine last year, plus an ACT 12-hour. He has strong, incisive views and doesn’t condone bullshit. He also has Dianne and his family. Di likes to cook and socialise, and she has become caught up in the catering at events, notably the Nav Workshop in 2018. Plus they hosted the recent mapping workshop in their home.

We have relied heavily on Chris to keep the sport going in the last five years. I greatly appreciate his efforts, and his companionship too. On behalf of everyone in the NSW Rogaining community, I thank Chris for all he has done for rogaining, and hope he continues in similar vein.

[Trevor Gollan 20-Feb-2020]