2025 Life Member Recipient

Wade Core

Wade Core has been a dedicated and valued friend and advocate of Southern Districts for more than 25 years. 

Allan Ladewig, then GM of Southern Districts, approached Wade in his role as President of the Carina Leagues Club in 1999 to ask him to sponsor.  Wade made the decision to become the naming rights sponsor of the Lady Spartans, allowing them to become the most formidable women’s program in Australia.  The foresight to become a sponsor and advocate for female sport was unparalleled at the time.  As president of the Carina Leagues Club, Wade has continued that sponsorship from 1999 to the present day.  For more than 25 years Wade has rarely missed a home game and even travels with the team on their road trips.  This level of commitment and passion is second to none and Wade has always made sure the players and coaching staff feel valued.  Through Wade’s guidance and leadership, the relationship between Southern Districts and the Carina Leagues Club has evolved into much more than a naming rights sponsor of the Lady Spartans, with them now sponsoring multiple programs, subsidising many operational services, hosting events, contributing to construction projects, donating equipment, and giving financial assistance to hundreds of individual members.  Wade was appointed as a board member of Southern Districts, only recently stepping away.  Wade was instrumental in strengthening our relationships with government and key stakeholders, he introduced new standards in governance, vision and strategy, while bringing a level of professionalism and poise that was much needed.  Wade is still always available to give advice and offer his services.  He epitomises the culture, values and work ethic that our club is built on.