For more than a decade Polack and her husband John have been helping hands at the Dimboola Football and Netball Club. 

Their children, Sam, 17, Daniel, 15 and Emily, 14, grew up around the club and have never known anything other than early mornings and Saturdays with their extended sporting family.

“They’ve always been there,” she said. “It’s always been what we’ve done – every Saturday it’s football.”

Polack and her husband have been involved for 12 years – ever since Sam started AusKick. 

Polack can be usually found behind the grill, in the canteen, or lending a hand wherever needed.

She said John was a goal umpire and helped with the farm cropping program fundraiser while her children have become runners, scorekeepers, water boys and boundary umpires. 

Polack was modest in her assessment of the family’s involvement – saying they were just one of many who helped out where they could. 

“The club is really the backbone of the town,” she said. “So many children now just don’t do anything anymore. They just sit at home on iPads and I think it’s so important people get involved. 

“It’s such a big thing and especially in Dimboola being such a small town it’s vital – it’s what you do in winter.”

Polack said she was proud her children had continued their family’s involvement at the Wimmera league club.

“We’ve always instilled in them that you need to help,” she said.

“A club doesn’t survive if no-one volunteers, so if you want to play you need to help, too.”

Despite the early mornings and long days Polack said she has treasured her time cooking breakfast for the past six years. 

“It’s a great club. We’ve made some great friends and the more people involved the better,” she said.

“I really enjoy the social aspect of it. I work full-time and can’t be on a committee – but we can go a bit earlier and help. It’s our way of giving back.”