Long-standing Volunteers recognised with Service to Snowsport Award

Snow Australia is pleased to present three individuals with the Service to Snowsport Awards as part of the 2021 Community Sport Awards virtual celebrations.

Donna Baker OAM, BJ Kaufmehl and Walt Hiltner have today been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the snowsports community.

The Service to Snowsports Award recognises individuals in the community who have made a positive difference to the opportunities and experiences available to others over a long period of time.

Donna has held the role of NSW Interschools Events Manager in a volunteer capacity since 1987, introducing thousands of young athletes to the sport through Interschools over three-decades.

Under her guidance, Interschools has developed into a platform to introduce school aged participants into snowsports, with many staying in the sport after their school years, and either excelling as an athlete, coach or in the industry.

Donna works tirelessly at the Interschools Championships each year on event days, no matter the weather.

In 2018, Donna was awarded an Order of Australia medal for her service to sport.

BJ is a life member of Thredbo Ski Racing Club (TSRC), having held the position of club captain for nearly 30 years.

In this role, BJ was involved in all aspects of training and racing at the club, and went above and beyond this role to become the race director and volunteer course worker at every TSRC run race.

BJ has worked closely with Kim Clifford on the development of TSRC including overseeing major improvements to the Club’s facilities, including lockers, kitchen, storerooms and the finish hut, just to name a few.

In 2000, BJ’s contribution to alpine skiing was recognised by the Australian Government with the award of the Australian Sports Medal.

Walt is one of the pioneers of freestyle skiing globally, and since the 1970s has been one of the key drivers behind the introduction, and ultimately the success, of freestyle skiing in Australia.

Walt ran freestyle events through the 1980s and 1990s, including the Junior World Championships at Mt Buller in 1995 which was a test event for the Aerials World Cup at Mt Buller, at which Walt was appointed the founding Event Director.

He has also worked tirelessly to drive change at a FIS committee level, serving as the FIS Freestyle Committee Chair and Vice Chair for almost 20 years.

Snow Australia CEO Michael Kennedy said he could not have thought of three more deserving winners of the Service to Snowsport Awards

“Donna, BJ and Walt are three of the most dedicated and long standing volunteers in our sport,” Kennedy said.

“With close to 150 years of combined experience between them, they have helped our sport grow to be what it is today.

“Having held numerous different roles and positions over the years, these three individuals understand snowsports from the inside out.

“It is great to be able to recognise the commitment and tireless hours of volunteering they have dedicated to snowsports in Australia with the Service to Snowsport Award.

“On behalf of Snow Australia and the snowsports community, I’d like to thank Donna, BJ and Walt for their service, and congratulate them on winning this award,” he said.