In 2005 President Bob Lewis asked Cyndi if she was interested in becoming secretary, a role she has now undertaken from 2006 to 2011 and since 2016.
When she wasn’t secretary, Cyndi was still helping the club whilst studying for a Masters in Special Education.
The start of her secretary term at Rennie coincided with meeting her partner Kevin Hanson. “They have formed a formidable partnership in running the administration at the Hoppers,” club president Matt Stephens said.
“Cyndi has enjoyed the support of five presidents over her time in Bob Lewis, Michael Sandral, Ian Rhodes, Andrew Starr and myself.
“Cyndi provides the qualities that are integral to any club – she is loyal, dedicated, caring, a family person, and like the true Rennie believers, bleeds green and white.”
Huge applause followed when the president described Cyndi as an outstanding contributor to the club, asked the big gathering to congratulate Cyndi and introduced 2011 premiership coach Leigh Ramsdale to present Cyndi with her medallion.
Sacred Heart College teacher Cyndi – Ms Gleeson to school students – expressed her appreciation to many people regarding her life membership, beginning with family.
“My first big thank you is to my family,” Cyndi, who will turn 50-years-of-age in December, told the Yarrawonga Chronicle. “Their love and support are what allows me to do what I do. My girls Brittany and Georgia have assisted, tolerated and enabled me to do what sparks joy in my world, and sometimes at their expense.
“To Kevin, who pretty quickly realised that he needed to jump on the Rennie wagon. I am blessed to have an amazing partner who loves our Rennie family as much as I do and loves me unconditionally, even when we don’t agree on club politics!
“I came to Rennie as a single Mum of two young daughters. I was embraced, welcomed and never judged. The Rennie community has given me more than what I have ever given back to it and to be awarded Life Membership is simply the most humbling experience for me personally.”
The respected and popular secretary asked as to from whom she’d like to receive the life membership medallion. “Leigh Ramsdale was my favourite coach!” Cyndi said.
Rennie’s latest Life Member described the Back to Rennie function as “amazing, hearing all the people reminisce”. ”A lot of people hadn’t seen each other for a long time.
“It was very nice to hear people say to both Kevin and myself that we kept the club going. We didn’t realise how special the Back To was for so many people.”