Two of Motorsport Australia’s New South Wales Officials have been recognised for their efforts in motorsport at the 2026 New South Wales Community Sports Awards Night last month.
Murray Slana and Jacqueline Devereaux each attended the event, where the former accepted his Distinguished Long Service Award and the latter was announced as a finalist for the Community Official of the Year Award.
Slana, a Hunter local, was among 26 sport volunteers being presented with the prestigious Distinguished Long Service Award.
Following decades of exceptional contributions at a grassroots level, Slana was acknowledged to have demonstrated extraordinary unwavering dedication to fostering and advancing sport in his communities for more than 25 years.
Slana is a familiar face around both circuit and off road racing, providing outstanding service to grassroots and state-level motorsport in NSW.
Over more than four decades, through technical officiating, recovery operations and the development of officials.
His 38 years as chief of recovery for the NSW Off Road Championship demonstrates his commitment to supporting competitors, organisers and volunteer officials across the state.
Slana’s also made a significant contribution to the SuperUtes category, serving as Technical Delegate from 2014 until stepping down from the role in 2025.
Slana has also contributed to motorsport through positions on the Australian Officials Commission, the NSW Scrutineer Advisory Panel, and the Motorsport Australia Eligibility Committee.
Sport NSW Chief Executive Stuart Hodge stated Slana was a worthy award winner, acknowledging his extraordinary contribution to their sport and community.
“Sport in New South Wales relies on people such as these individuals who have generously devoted countless hours of their time, year in and year out, over many decades. We are forever in their debt,” Hodge said.
“It is fitting a Distinguished Long Service Award recipient like Murray is recognised and honoured.
“They have given the opportunity to so many to play sport and allow them to enjoy the physical, mental, and social benefits sports participation provides.
“They’ve been dedicated champions for their sport and have provided a magnificent community legacy for others to aspire to and follow.”
While Devereaux did not come away with the win in her category, she remains a highly respected member of the Motorsport Australia officials family.
Devereaux’s ongoing commitment to motorsport is wide-ranging, including the honour of also being the recipient of the 2025 Motorsport Australia Official of the Year.
With more than 24 years experience as a Motorsport Australia Official, Devereaux has built an impressive career through dedication, leadership and a passion for continuous development.
Beginning as a rally official at the Canberra Rally while at university, she has progressed from Flag Marshal to Sector Marshal, Chief Marshal, Safety Car Communicator and to notably as Deputy Chief Marshal for the 2026 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
Devereaux is also working towards becoming a Race Director. Renowned for her inclusive leadership style, she credited officiating’s strong sense of community as its greatest strength.
Click here for more information about this year’s New South Wales Community Sports Awards Night.
