Our Vice Commodore, Julia Hornsby, took the mic as MC for the evening, opening the night with a warm and heartfelt welcome to all in attendance. Among the guests was our 2024 Volunteer of the Year, Kirsty Hunter, who was honoured as the evening’s special guest and “fire-starter”.
Vice Commodore’s Speech:
Welcome to this lovely annual event, the LIGHTING OF THE FIRE which formally marks the start of the winter sailing season and by the weather of the last few days, I think it is well timed.
Welcome to our members and Flag Officers: RC Yachting, Peter Farrugia, Activities, Verity Powers, Membership Rob Alpe, Centreboard, Mark Dorling and Cruising Greg Dunstan.
The act lighting of the fire is an honour given to the Volunteer of the Year for the preceding year. The Volunteer of the Year is decided by the Committee of Rear Commodores to recognise a member who demonstrated an outstanding voluntary contribution to the club over the last year. Kirsty was awarded that honour for the 2024 year.
As is tradition, the Volunteer of the Year is given the honour of lighting the fire.
Kirsty Hunter, Rear Commodore Activities from July 2022 to July 2024, Volunteer of the Year 2024. Manly Mum.
Who is Kirsty? Certainly not a grey, bland, restrained, or quiet presence, far from it! She is known for her warmth, kindness, humour, glamour, and unwavering loyalty as a friend to many. A steadfast supporter of Mark in all his pursuit, whether in work, racing, sailing, or business—she stands by him through it all.
Most importantly, Kirsty is a devoted daughter and mother, cherishing her family, including four grandchildren, soon to be five.
As RC Activities, Kirsty took on the role with a level of attention to detail so precise, some might call it somewhat alarming, but the results spoke for themselves! With her dedicated team, she transformed the club’s atmosphere, ensuring every event was unforgettable. We celebrated, dressed up, played games, and created fantastic memories—from a spectacular New Year’s Eve party (who knew so many could master the Limbo Rock?) to the dazzling Gala Dinner.
Kirsty, you were exceptional in this role. Every single day as Rear Commodore, you poured your heart and soul into your work, leaving a lasting imprint on the club that will be remembered for years to come.
A note from Kirty Hunter – Volunteer of the Year 2024
I was in total shock when I was named Volunteer of the Year last year at the Sailing Presentation. There are some seriously distinguished names on the Volunteer Board in Halyards, and I was in disbelief that I had been nominated for this award after only serving 2 years as RC of Activities. Traditionally, this award has been bestowed upon ‘On Water’ Volunteers, so for Activities to be recognised was truly amazing.
My goal as RC was to provide an array of fun events for our Members, and I think we achieved this, having organised Gala Dinners, Themed nights during the Winter months, Summer parties, a Philharmonic concert, and several end-of-year Sailing Presentations.
One Activities Committee member said to be in the beginning, “Kirsty, our members will not DRESS UP”. I can confidently say that is not the case.
Lighting of the Fire is a fabulous tradition at the Alfreds and to be the official the Fire Lighter last Friday night was an incredible honour which I will always fondly look back on.
A Tribute from our Commodore, Robert McClelland, to Kirsty Hunter – Past Rear Commodore of Activities
My sincere apologies for not being there tonight. This evening is always a highlight — full of great memories and a chance to celebrate those who make our club what it is. This year, recognising our Volunteer of the Year, Kirsty Hunter, in 2025, holds extra significance. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Kirsty over the past few years. She has done a brilliant job, and I can’t thank her enough.
From afar, I’ve asked Julia if she wouldn’t mind reading out this short note. I know Julia is doing the heavy lifting tonight, and I want to thank her sincerely for stepping in during my absence.
When Kirsty Hunter officially stepped into the role of Rear Commodore of Activities in July 2022, she brought with her a professionalism, energy, and eye for detail that has since transformed our club. But for many of us, her exceptional capabilities were already well known — because we saw them in action during the 2020 World 5.5 Metre Championships, hosted here at RPAYC.
It was during that event that Kirsty truly shone. She played a key role in organising the social program, delivering a series of outstanding events that impressed local and international guests alike. From themed dinners to expertly coordinated functions, Kirsty’s ability to create meaningful, memorable experiences was clear for all to see. That championship series didn’t just showcase our club — it also highlighted Kirsty’s talents and leadership, setting the stage for the role she would soon take on.
Once in the position of Rear Commodore, Kirsty wasted no time. One of her first major initiatives was the 2023 Gala Fundraising Dinner for the Alfred’s Community Sailing Program — a significant event in both scale and impact. The planning was meticulous: table dressings, lighting, music, a silent auction with beautifully sourced prizes — all brought together through long hours and careful coordination her team. The result was an elegant and successful night that raised both funds and our collective pride.
And all of this was just the beginning. Alongside this major event, Kirsty was also managing a busy calendar of club activities — always ensuring each one met the high standard she set from day one.
Under her leadership, our social events evolved in both scale and quality. From early dinners with 40 attendees to Bastille celebrations that attracted over 140 guests, Kirsty and her team brought excellence, consistency, and flair. With the full support of club staff and volunteers, she helped shape a culture of hospitality, professionalism, and fun.
Annual Presentation Nights also took on a new life. What had once been routine events became vibrant evenings filled with energy and a renewed sense of community.
And then there are the little things — the touches that often go unnoticed but collectively make a big difference. One such example: fresh flowers on the tables in Halyards. I once made the silly mistake of saying, “Will people even notice.” I couldn’t have been more wrong. It’s now a club standard — a small but lasting tradition that began with Kirsty’s thoughtful eye for detail.
Kirsty, thank you for everything you’ve done. Being named Volunteer of the Year is richly deserved — and still doesn’t quite capture the legacy you’ve built. Your time as Rear Commodore of Activities has lifted the club, deepened its sense of community, and created a standard that will inspire those who follow.
As Commodore, I’ve always believed that you’re only as good as your team — and with Kirsty, I had the very best.
