The North Melbourne Football Club congratulates president Dr Sonja Hood AM, who has received 2024 King’s Birthday Honours.

Dr Hood was today appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the community through social welfare organisations and sports administration.

Dr Hood’s connection to the North Melbourne Football Club stems back to her childhood, with weekends spent on the terraces of Arden Street.  

The club’s general manager of community engagement from 2011-2015, Dr Hood played a key role in establishing the club’s community arm, The Huddle.

Dr Hood joined the club board in 2019 before being appointed president in January 2022.

Chief executive of Community Hubs Australia, a national partnership which aims to build social cohesion and supports families from diverse backgrounds to connect, share and learn, Dr Hood has led the not-for-profit for close to a decade.

Prior to her work at both Community Hubs Australia and North Melbourne, Dr Hood was board chair of McAuley Community Services for Women and holds a PhD in Population Health from the University of Melbourne and a Master’s Degree in Policy from Penn State University.

“Sonja makes an incredible contribution to our club and the broader community and everyone at North Melbourne feels a great sense of pride in her being recognised in this way,” North Melbourne Chief Executive Jen Watt said.

“From building our industry-leading community arm, The Huddle during her working time at the club, to her leadership and genuine care for our members in her presidency role, Sonja demonstrates her connection to communities with incredible dedication and passion. 

“Volunteers make significant contributions to football clubs and there is no greater contribution and commitment of a volunteer than that of club president. We thank Sonja for everything she has done and continues to do for our club and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.”