The Geelong Football Club celebrates the acknowledgement of Diana Taylor and Bill McMaster with the pair recognised on the Australia Day 2024 Honours List last week.

The Australian Honours and Awards system recognises the outstanding service and contributions of Australians, with Taylor receiving the Member of the Order of Australia (General Division) Award for significant service to Australian rules football and to the community of Geelong, and McMaster receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to Australian rules football in the Barwon South West Region.

Taylor is currently the Vice President of the Geelong Football Club and has held other senior board roles with the AFLW Competition, the VFL Tribunal and Appeal Boards and the Western Region Football League.

Taylor said that she was honoured and extremely grateful to receive the Member of the Order of Australia (General Division) Award.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be recognised for my service to two of my great loves, Australian rules football and the community of Geelong. I have done, and continue to do, my best to make a difference to people in the place where I live and work, and to the game I love, which I believe is Australia’s greatest agent for positive change,” Taylor said.

“I have had the privilege and pleasure of working with many wonderful people who are incredibly passionate about supporting their communities, who give their heart and soul everyday to making the people and organisations around them better. I am inspired by their actions and dedication to service above self.”

A Geelong Cats life member, McMaster is one of the oldest Australian football living Premiership players. He has held multiple roles at the Geelong Football Club including as senior coach, a master recruiter, a board member and played in the 1951 and 1952 VFL Premierships.

Geelong Cats Recruiting Manager Stephen Wells said he is delighted to see McMaster recognised.

“Bill never seeked recognition for his effort, he always did everything throughout his time in football with great pride and a smile on his face. He loves the game and the Cats and I am proud to see him achieve this honour.”

Geelong Cats CEO Steve Hocking said the Club is proud of the achievements of all Australians recognised, in particular the efforts both Taylor and McMaster have made to Geelong.

“There are many volunteers around our region that pour endless time and effort in ensuring football can exist and provide long lasting memories for many.

“We are delighted to see Diana and Bill’s efforts honoured. Both pioneers in their own right, they have given enormously to our Club and their contribution is deeply engrained within our proud history.”