EVERY football club lives and breathes off the tireless efforts of particular individuals, but few could match the dedication of Millicent’s Craig Tunkin.
The Millicent Football Club presented Tunkin with life membership recently and the Saints stalwart is certainly worthy of the honour.
In the two decades since he first arrived at McLaughlin Park, Tunkin has helped transform the club into what it is today with his inspiring work and relentless commitment, both on and off the field.
He played 124 games in Saints’ colours over 16 seasons, but his most significant contributions were off the field.
Tunkin performed a number of roles in the club’s administration, which have helped shape the club.
They include a four-year tenure as president, while being the Western Border Football League and McLaughlin Park Sports Incorporated representative for the Saints.
Current club president Joel Redman said Tunkin’s efforts saw him a deserved recipient of the prestigious honour.
“The Millicent Football Club has a long history of awarding life membership to deserving individuals and Craig certainly met all the requirements,” he said.
“His passion and love for the Millicent Football Club since he arrived is unquestionable.
“He has been responsible for a huge amount of development, which has enhanced his value to the club.”
The recent face lift of McLaughlin Park has transformed the facility into one of the premier sporting venues in the South East region.
Notably the ground’s new change-rooms are arguably the best in the area and a lot of it is credit to Tunkin’s vision.
Redman said the change-rooms and other developments such as the new electronic scoreboard and “tin shed” would not have been possible without Tunkin.
“He has been the prime driver behind it,” he said.
“He was the one with the vision and the energy to carry it off.
“Most of it was driven out of his passion, energy and ability to understand the way redevelopment processes work.
“He was able to secure the grants we needed to get our facility up to the super-high standard.”
The life membership is not the only accolade Tunkin has received during his time at the Saints.
In 2017, his hard work was recognised when he won the SANFL volunteer of the year award.
Redman said the honours Tunkin has received is a result of his commitment over a long period of time, while doing it for the good of the club and not personal success.
“The award was a culmination of many years of dedication, effort and recognition,” he said.
“He is not big on the accolades and does it for the right reasons.”
It appears Tunkin is not slowing down, as he continues to be a big contributor around the club.
He remains an invaluable member of Millicent’s committee and always searches for new ways to improve the venue.
Tunkin’s next inputs to McLaughlin Park are new flood lights, goal posts and club-room improvements, which are expected to arrive before the first bounce next season.
Redman praised Tunkin’s relentless work at the club, while he is also busy raising a family of his own.
“He makes the football club a better place to be a part of,” Redman said.
“He could not put much more in, but continues to be an active member in the committees and manages a number of new developments.
“He has got a young family as well, so to commit the time he has is a testament to the guy.”
