AFLQUA Executive Committee 2024
President - Sam Somerville
Sam started umpiring Brisbane Juniors in 2009 before progressing to the SEQ Seniors group then High Performance. He umpired the 2018 & 2021 QAFL grand finals. Sam spent three years on the VFL list from 2021 to 2023. Sam joined the AFLQUA executive in 2022, stepping into the Secretary position. Sam was Treasurer in 2023. Sam has stepped up to the role of President in 2024.
Vice President - Janie McCullagh
Janie has been a member of the AFLQUA since 2013. In 2015, Janie became a General Member. In 2016, Janie became President, serving in the role for 8 years until 2023. Janie commenced field umpiring in Katherine NT in 2005 and continued in Darwin until moving to Queensland in 2012. Janie has umpired three Division 2 Men’s Grand Finals, one QFA Colts Grand Final and three Div 1 Women’s Grand Finals. The highlight was being appointed by AFLQ to officiate at the Women’s National Competition in Cairns in 2013, umpiring the Grand Final between Victoria and Western Australia. Janie wanted to step into the President’s position to be a strong voice to represent umpires in South East Queensland ensuring they receive the support and care that is needed on and off the field. The umpiring community is like a family to Janie and she enjoys the challenges that come with being part of the Executive.
Vice President - Tristan Symes
Tristan has been member of the Association since commencing umpiring in 1998, stepping into the role of VP in 2021 in order to further support the Association that has supported him.
Starting out in the Elite U18 competition, Tristan debuted in State League Seniors in 2001, umpiring the State League Grand Final in 2006 before being promoted to the AFL list in 2007. Tristan spent 13 years as an AFL listed Goal Umpire standing in 163 games. Highlights of this time include umpiring at the `G on a number of occasions, umpiring the Gold Coast Sun’s first game in 2010 and umpiring in China in 2018. Most will, however, remember Gold Coast vs GWS at Metricon Stadium in 2015 where Tristan was cleaned up by Steven May before having his hat put back on his head, backwards, by Jeremey Cameron. In 2004, Tristan - along with Life Member Brett Bradford, and former member Mark Noonan, was part of the Benson Trust trip to South Australia and Victoria, umpiring in competitions within both these states. Tristan has also been the recipient of a number of association awards including Most Improved Goal Umpire in 2003 and the Most Dedicated Umpire in 2010.
While family is now taking priority for Tristan, he is still supporting umpiring and umpires as part of the Zillmere HP group and continuing to umpire QAFL football.
Starting out in the Elite U18 competition, Tristan debuted in State League Seniors in 2001, umpiring the State League Grand Final in 2006 before being promoted to the AFL list in 2007. Tristan spent 13 years as an AFL listed Goal Umpire standing in 163 games. Highlights of this time include umpiring at the `G on a number of occasions, umpiring the Gold Coast Sun’s first game in 2010 and umpiring in China in 2018. Most will, however, remember Gold Coast vs GWS at Metricon Stadium in 2015 where Tristan was cleaned up by Steven May before having his hat put back on his head, backwards, by Jeremey Cameron. In 2004, Tristan - along with Life Member Brett Bradford, and former member Mark Noonan, was part of the Benson Trust trip to South Australia and Victoria, umpiring in competitions within both these states. Tristan has also been the recipient of a number of association awards including Most Improved Goal Umpire in 2003 and the Most Dedicated Umpire in 2010.
While family is now taking priority for Tristan, he is still supporting umpiring and umpires as part of the Zillmere HP group and continuing to umpire QAFL football.
Treasurer - Matt Bellina
Matt joined the AFLQUA when he made the step up to senior community footy in 2013 from the juniors. 2023 is Matts first year as a general committee member with the desire to give back to the association and to support fellow umpires due to some on field incidents that occurred in 2022. Matt has umpired multiple grand finals and representative games and hopes to be able to draw on his experience to support umpires.
Secretary - Justin Lillecrapp
Social Media and Digital Lead - Mitchell Blashak
Mitchell (Shak)
Executive Member - Mark Gordon
Matt joined the AFLQUA when he made the step up to senior community footy in 2013 from the juniors. 2023 is Matts first year as a general committee member with the desire to give back to the association and to support fellow umpires due to some on field incidents that occurred in 2022. Matt has umpired multiple grand finals and representative games and hopes to be able to draw on his experience to support umpires.
Executive Member - Rob Angus
Rob started AFL umpiring in 2017 after spending countless weekends watching his son umpire, finally deciding to get involved as well. He was appointed Goal Umpire for the 2018 QFA Div 1 Grand Final, a one-point classic between Maroochydore and Noosa. Rob is the Sunshine Coast representative on the AFLQUA Committee and has extensive Executive Committee experience, including over 10 years as President of an athletics club, several years as Treasurer of a hockey club, and the Secretary and Treasurer of the AFL Sunshine Coast Umpires Association prior to its absorption by the AFLQUA at the end of the 2019 season.
Executive Member - Jason Mitchell
Jason
Executive Member - Brett Cashmere
Photo Credits
LG Photos
Highflyer Images
Matt F Photography
