Life Membership Acknowledgment October 2024

Gary LeFevre, originally from Pyengana, moved to Launceston in the 1970s for his education. He attended Queechy High School, where he was a promising junior player with East Launceston’s U/16s team, playing alongside notable teammates Robert Semmens and Doug Barwick, both of whom had significant VFL/AFL careers.

After completing grade 10, Gary returned to Pyengana, a place he cherishes deeply. He began playing with the St Helens Swans senior team at a very young age during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Unfortunately, his playing career was cut short, and it was undoubtedly challenging for such a talented player to be around football without being able to participate.

I joined the club in 1982 and remember Gary as a dedicated supporter who was always willing to help out in any capacity. He was known for his dry humour while doing commentary on video for the NEFU Finals. Gary's contributions to our club have been invaluable, and he has always preferred to work quietly behind the scenes.

When his brother Michael LeFevre proposed the idea of resurrecting the Pyengana Ground to host an annual heritage game, Gary was fully committed. A dedicated team worked tirelessly for many weekends over several years to prepare the ground and surroundings for the first game against Winnaleah in 2016. The Pyengana Heritage Game has since become one of the highlights of the NTFA and Tasmanian Football calendar, thanks to Gary's fifteen-year labour of love.

Since joining the NTFA in 2017, Gary's typical home game week involves frequent visits to the ground for maintenance, marking the field, and preparing for the wood raffle. On Saturdays, he sells raffle tickets at the IGA until midday, assists at the gate, and then serves as the senior goal umpire. On Sundays, he arranges and delivers the raffle wood, often stacking it for the winner. Gary has also goal umpired all our away senior games for many years.

Gary's dedication extends to our annual Monster Auction in March, one of our major fundraisers. He collects items for the auction, coordinates the setup, and helps with packing everything away afterward. His generosity and willingness to help at a moment's notice have been remarkable.

Gary has been an outstanding player, supporter, and volunteer for our club, and he is a champion individual and a great mate. It is my absolute pleasure to award Gary LeFevre Life Membership of the East Coast Swans.