Rugby League legend Brad Fittler was in Kiama today to present Sheree Payne, the sports coordinator at Kiama Public School, the NRL Teacher of The Year award.

“It’s still overwhelming and it’s still a surprise because there’s so many other teachers out there that do amazing things but to be recognised for the work that you do is pretty special,” says Sheree.

“And to be able to do it on a day like this with all the kids is just amazing.”

Sheree has been sports coordinator for the Public School for over a decade and has integrated NRL into the school curriculum.

“I help to organise NRL gala days like today’s dragon tag,” she says.

“We also incorporate some NRL things like fitness into our curriculum, as well as the Dragons’ Best You Can Be journals which encompasses physical activity, healthy eating, mental health and more.”

Brad Fittler was fulsome in his praise.

“Being a parent, a kid who grew up playing footy and now someone who is still involved in it, you realise that if there’s no volunteers, there’s no sport,” he says.

“So to be at the top of that and to give more time than anyone else in Australia, there’s no higher accolade.

“Whether it’s Rugby League or another sport, it’s all about someone devoting most of their time to other people and it’s just incredible.

“Hopefully they learn from what she does and that there’s some people sitting there thinking ‘this lady is pretty inspirational and look at what she’s allowing me to do’.

“Sheree is a real model and a great example of leadership in the community.”