The night celebrated the achievement of the Hawks Club in having all four teams reach the semi-finals in season 2009.

The celebrations also recognised the undying passion displayed by the club’s aging but extremely valued volunteers such as Alan and Cathy Palmer, Mary Watson, Ray and Shirley Griffis, Nell and Wal Basham with a standing ovation from the entire room reserved for the tireless Shirley Hilder who has given over 50 years of her life to rugby league and 20 years to the Forster Tuncurry community in maintaining the provision of sport to the community.

The Tony Mansour Memorial Award for Club Person of the Year went to a surprised but deserved Paul Tycehurst. Aaron Temple, president of the juniors club gave a speech that emphasised the work that Tycehurst had done to improve rugby league for the seniors but also the work and his collaborative efforts that have benefited the juniors club as well. The Jamie Dywer Memorial Award for Junior Club Person went to a deserving and dedicated young man in Kurtis Tuilewa from the Under 18s.

The Irish McKeogue Memorial Award for Sportsmanship was given to Under 18s captain Simon Fokes who achieved representation with Group 3 and Oxley Pioneers before leading the Hawks to a second grand-final appearance. Simon was recognised for his uncompromising style of play and the respect and admiration he has gained within the Hawks Club and others alike.

The Taree-Wingham Race Club Scholarship was awarded to Matt Georgiou from the Under 18s to assist him with further opportunities in the game and assistance towards school/TAFE resources.

Group 3 president Wayne Bridge presented plaques to both Ashleigh Alcorn and Kylie Hilder for their selection in the Australian Women’s Rugby League Team the Jillaroos which toured and played tests against the New Zealand national team and New Zealand Maoris in September.

Forster Tuncurry Memorial Services Club’s John Rochester presented a sponsorship cheque to the Hawks President Paul Tycehurst who was extremely humbled to receive the gift which will be used to maintain the Under 18s squad for the season.