As Australia welcomed home its sporting legends from the Paris Olympic Games, Wyong Battery World business owners and die-hard football fans Susan and Paul Rodak welcomed a personal visit from their very own championship team.
Following their recent win in the AFC Cup and A-League Men Premiership in May, Central Coast Mariners Football Club surprised Battery World Wyong’s “power couple” with an up close and personal look at the winning silverware.
The Rodaks have been Official Gold Partners of the Central Coast Mariners Football Club for the past four years.
They proudly say they’ve hardly ever missed a game or the chance to support their team.
“Our youngest son Dexter plays goalkeeper for the under-16s Wyong Emus Football Club and is a full-blown soccer fanatic,” Susan said.
“He was over the moon to get a look at the winning trophies – it truly made his day.”
The Rodaks have been actively involved in the Wyong community for more than 20 years, running their successful Battery World store for almost seven years.
Susan has been treasurer of Business Wyong for eight years.
“Our second oldest son Fred has something called Retinitis Pigmentosa – the leading cause of youth blindness and blindness in the working-age population,” she said.
“Community support is very important to us.
“We have received incredible support from Guide Dogs Australia, Nextsense and the Wyong community, so it’s just as important we give back too.
“Being Official Partners of the Central Coast Mariners Football Club allows us to support one of our local clubs while also connecting us as a family.
“No matter who you are, sport is for everyone and we as a family love coming together to enjoy a game and some friendly rivalry.”
While Dexter is focused on achieving wins on the field and their oldest son Bram is now working full-time at the store, Fred is kicking goals of his own after receiving his Honours in Physics at the University of Newcastle.
“There’s nothing more heart-warming than seeing your children happy,” Susan said.