5 September 2025
Queensland Dad takes out Community Sports Dad of the Year!
Nick Franklin has been crowned Australia’s 2025 Community Sports Dad of the Year, recognised for his tireless commitment to grassroots hockey in Gympie and beyond.
The national award, now in its twelfth year and proudly supported by Philips Water, celebrates the extraordinary contributions Aussie dads make to their families and communities through sport.
Nick is the first hockey dad to claim the honour – and only the second Queenslander in history – after a flood of nominations highlighted his selflessness, positivity, and passion for the game. Despite not having a hockey background himself, Nick has thrown himself into the sport since his children Cooper (14) and Ruby (11) first picked up a stick.
From coaching the Gympie Hockey Club Under-12s to managing multiple state representative teams, Nick has become the heartbeat of his community. He often travels hours at his own expense to support teams, cheers for every child like they’re his own, and even paints his nails in team colours to lift the players’ spirits.
“Even if you don’t think you’re making a difference… you are. Kids and communities need great role models in their lives,” said Nick. “One of my biggest drivers is seeing the confidence and growth kids get on the field, and then watching it follow them off the field too.”
Rachel Fernie, who nominated Nick, says his contribution has changed the culture at Gympie Hockey:
“Nick is always congratulating every player on their efforts, shaking hands and making everyone feel important whether they won or lost. When the U14 Girls rep team he managed won the Team QLD Spirit Award, his encouragement and sportsmanship were a main reason why. He makes every kid feel seen.”
Rachel has also seen Nick’s influence firsthand with her own children:
“Both my kids are shy and lack confidence, but when Nick calls out positive things to them from the sidelines, it really builds their confidence and their love for the sport. He cheers for every child, not just his own, and lifts the whole club with his energy.”
Helping kids find their place in a team and in the club. Showing them what happens when you work as a team, the trust, the friendships, and the belief they build in themselves. That’s what lasts a lifetime.
Nick
Most rewarding part of being involved in community sport
Hockey legend and four-time Olympian Mark Knowles praised Nick’s win:
“Volunteers like Nick are the backbone of Australian sport. They inspire the next generation, teaching them not just skills but life values. He’s creating pathways for future champions while making sure every kid feels valued – that’s what sport is really about.”
As part of his prize, Nick will donate the $5,000 Rebel Sport voucher to the Gympie & District Hockey Association to benefit junior players, along with receiving a Philips Reverse Osmosis Water Station valued at $1,299 RRP.
A proud supporter of Community Sports Dad of the Year, Peter Bosscher, CEO of Bosscher Commercial Management and exclusive agent for Philips Water, helped launch the original Sports Dad award back in 2009.
“We’re thrilled to support the Community Sports Dad of the Year award, which continues to shine a light on the incredible contributions sporting dads make both on and off the field. There’s nothing quite like this program in Australia, and we’re proud to celebrate deserving dads nationwide, many of whom don’t even realise the impact their selfless efforts have on their communities.”
On Father’s Day, Nick says he’s looking forward to a quiet breakfast with wife Sam and their kids, plus a few “fun gifts” from the arts-and-crafts table.
“Nick is the heart of our hockey community,” wrote one nominator. “He celebrates every achievement as if it were his own. We’re so lucky to have him.”
I want to thank everyone who nominated me. Our hockey community is something really special, and this award shows that! I wouldn’t have got it without them. A huge thank you to Philips Water, too, that $5000 will make a massive difference to a small club like ours.
Nick
On winning the award
