Receiving the 2025 Australian Motorsport Official of the Year Award was a surreal moment for Jacqueline Devereaux, who joined a long list of esteemed officials to receive the award at the most recent Motorsport Australia National Awards Gala , presented by Shannons.
An official of more than 24 years, Devereaux was glad to be placed in the same category as her peers, peers she has “an immense amount of respect for”.
“It was humbling, an honour, a big surprise so I was glad I had a little bit of notice to prepare ahead of the night, but I’m still a bit shocked at the recognition and a bit speechless from it I guess,” Devereaux said.
“There’s so much work that goes on behind the scenes, not just myself of course, but everyone who puts hours and hours of effort to assist the sport we love.
“I really feel like this award is a big team effort, which is why I feel a bit bad for my name being on the award when we’re really a great team at the moment with a nice, niche group of people getting on with each other.
“It’s really exciting to be an official at the moment.”
Devereaux, who will play a prominent role at this year’s 2026 Formula 1 Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix as the Deputy Chief Marshal, first got her officiating orientation in rally, a less common route for the average official, at The Canberra Rally while attending university.
From there, Devereaux expanded her skillset to circuit racing and has progressed through roles there.
Beginning as a flag marshal, Devereaux has held roles as a sector marshal, chief marshal, safety car communicator and now setting her sights on becoming a race director.
Devereaux, known for empowering those around her through her supportive and inclusive management style, explained how easy it is for new officials to find a role to become passionate about.
“Officiating is great because there is a role for everyone,” Devereaux added.
“In motorsport, you’ll find a role that you will like doing and we’re all a great, big family. To put it simply, you coming for the racing, but it’s the family element that brings people back.”
Motorsport Australia Chief People Officer Nicky Lennon praised Devereaux for her commitment to motorsport, stating the work she does behind the scenes is critical at events.
“It’s how she leads that stands out to me and others around her; measured, thorough, quietly confident, and always looking to improve herself,” Lennon said.
“When people hear her name, they recognise she has done so much for motorsport here in Australia and we’re extremely lucky to have her.”
