Our 2022 Community Award winners have been announced with joint winners across the NetSetGO Centre and Association of the Year Awards.
It was great to once again have the opportunity to celebrate the contribution of so many members of our netball community, and their vital efforts to support and grow netball across the state.
Teacher of the Year: Chris Sutcliffe
Frankston High School teacher Chris Sutcliffe has brought his students on a netball journey thanks to his passion and love for the sport. As a member of the Frankston District Netball Association, Chris was eager to use his position as a teacher to influence the next generation in more than one way, and through coordinating the school’s netball team he has developed a strong core group of netballers. Students attend before and after school training sessions in large part thanks to Chris’ love of the game.
NetSetGO Centre of the Year: Sandringham & District Netball Association AND Casey Netball Association
Casey Netball Association has become a NetSetGO hub for boys and girls to come and test their skills throughout the year with sessions on Monday and Saturdays encouraging participants to get involved in the sport. Teagen Davies has led the charge, facilitating ‘come and try’ sessions over the holiday period to generate more interest. Fellow winner Sandringham & District Netball Association has also seen a rise in participation numbers in 2022 thanks to the work of Samantha Templeton. Sandringham has introduced a 9/Under competition to allow the players to compete in a game-like environment.
WorkSafe Safety Initiative of the Year: South Barwon Football Netball Club AND Natimuk United Football Netball Club
South Barwon FNC has made several changes this year including developing a player warm-up area so participants have a safe space to warm up, along with redesigning and redeveloping player changerooms and amenities. These initiatives are helping to ensure that all participants are able to play in a safe environment. The club has also provided support for members of their netball community to undergo Mental Health First Aid training.
Joint winner Natimuk United FNC was recognised for their work around creating positive attitudes towards wellbeing. Some of their initiatives include having healthy recipes in their newsletter and developing an online hub with wellbeing resources and information. They have also drawn attention to the importance of road safety through partnering with a local organisation and undertaking the ‘Looking after your Mates’ program.
Umpire of the Year: Jackie Elkins-Pole – Heathcote District Football Netball League
Jackie Elkins-Pole has developed her umpiring craft at a rate of knots in the Heathcote District Football Netball League, but more importantly has paved the way for future umpires through her commitment to the betterment of the sport. Throughout the 2021/22 season Jackie helped finalise and facilitate the badging of 13 new C Grade umpires, and ran testing sessions for umpires across the League to help upskill them.
Inclusive Netball Community of the Year: Debra Kane – Mernda Netball Club
Netball Coordinator at Mernda Junior Netball Club, Debra Kane has worked tirelessly this year to ensure that she creates a warm and welcoming environment for all. Through acknowledging cultural days of significance such as Diwali and NAIDOC Week, along with recognising events such as Rainbow Day and Mother’s/Father’s Day, Debra has fostered a safe space for all participants in her netball community.
Volunteer of the Year: Mark Goldspink – Nillumbik Force Netball Association
As President of Nillumbik Force Netball Association, Mark Goldspink has played an integral role in continuing the Association’s success. From helping to develop a new strategic plan to lobbying for better facilities, he has showcased a great level of commitment to the administrative side of the sport and has ensured that Nillumbik and the players involved get the best possible access and opportunities to pursue their netball goals.
Coach of the Year: Michelle Kneale – Northern Pride Netball Association
Michelle wears many different hats at Northern Pride, coaching several sides including leading the 13/Under team at the Association Championships earlier in the year. In her first time at the event, she guided the side to the preliminary final showcasing her ability to thrive under pressure and get the best out of her players. As a coaching mentor as well as coach, Michelle is a respected figure within the community thanks to her nurturing approach and innovation, including establishing her own netball fitness clinics to keep the community engaged in the sport.
Association of the Year: Sandringham & District Netball Association AND Hoppers Crossing Netball Association
A key focus for Angela Moscati and the Sandringham & District Netball Association has been growing its participant base. Throughout the year they have focused on areas such as Child Safety, promoting All Abilities, finding programs to better support umpires and creating a more user-friendly website.
Hoppers Crossing Netball Association celebrated a milestone 50 years in 2022, showcasing their commitment to growing the game and their local netball community. The Association has recently redeveloped their facilities to ensure that participants have the opportunity to play on the best courts possible.
Missed the awards ceremony? Catch up on the livestream via our Facebook page!
