The winners of Netball Victoria’s 2024 Community Awards were announced on Thursday night, celebrating the contributions of individuals, clubs and associations to the sport across the state.
Five individuals, three associations and two clubs received the honour across the eight categories, after being nominated by peers and then selected by a panel of up to four in each category.
Speaking at the Community Awards presentation, Netball Victoria president, Carol Cathcart said:
“Netball Victoria’s Community Awards recognise the unsung heroes — the volunteers, the coaches, the umpires, the administrators — all of you who give your time, your energy, and your passion to help this sport thrive. Without your dedication, the game simply wouldn’t be what it is.
“To the finalists, your contributions have not gone unnoticed. Your passion and commitment have made a real difference in the lives of those around you. And to our award winners, congratulations. Your hard work and dedication truly exemplify the values we hold dear in netball.”
All winners receive prize money and a certificate of appreciation from Netball Victoria for their contribution, passion and dedication to helping netball thrive in Victoria.
2024 NETBALL VICTORIA COMMUNITY AWARDS WINNERS
Volunteer of the Year, presented by HCF
Sophie Went (Hoppers Crossing Netball Association)
Rebekah Bogos (Casey Netball Association and Casey Demons Netball Club)
Sophie Went
As president of the Hoppers Crossing Netball Association, Sophie Went’s passion for the game shines through in everything she does. Whether it’s playing herself, coaching or cheering from the sidelines, Sophie is incredibly committed to the association.
She takes the time to listen, assist and encourage players, parents, coaches, umpires and committee members, and advocates for innovative ways to help the association thrive. As a smaller, family-orientated association, Hoppers Crossing Netball Association pride itself on fairness and accessibility, and Sophie as president ensures that all kids, young people and adults are given a chance to be a part of the community, regardless of their ability or socioeconomic standing.
Rebekah Bogos
As board member of Casey Netball Association and president of Casey Demons, Rebekah has her hands full. Despite the demands of her roles on top of her job as a teacher and with her own family, Rebekah gives so much time to the Casey netball community. She devotes her time and effort into what’s best for players, coaches, umpires, officials and other volunteers to ensure everyone is enjoying their netball and feels valued and a connection.
She is invested in the pathway and building a lifelong love of the sport. Heavily involved as a volunteer, Rebekah is always happy for a chat with a smile on her face.
Teacher of the Year, presented by Deakin University
Michael Gallus (Christway College)
Michael was unwavering in his passion to implement a netball program into the PE curriculum across the school from years 3-9. His creativity in the way he delivered the program included applying for a Sporting Schools Grant which allowed him to bring in a Netball Victoria community coach to run clinics to ensure the students were learning from the best, as well as invite Melbourne Vixens’ goaler, Mwai Kumwenda to speak.
Working on the students’ skills and giving them confidence to play, he entered two teams in the Sporting Schools Victoria interschool Gala Day and four teams into the Christian Schools Events Network Netball Championships.
Michael’s love for the game has become contagious, with many students now signing up with local netball clubs.
Coach of the Year, presented by Origin
Connor Drysdale (Casey Netball Association)
At 17 years old, Connor has made a name for himself in the netball world, inspiring so many in his community to love and grow in netball.
While his on court efforts speak volumes having played for the Victorian Men’s U20 team, it’s his coaching that has made him a role model for boys in the Casey community.
Connor brings a different kind of energy to coaching. His communication with the kids is exceptional, and his encouragement of the players has made him a successful coach.
This year, Connor juggled all of his coaching, including leading the entire Casey boys squad with year 12 commitments and representing Victoria. He has progressed to Intermediate coaching accreditation and has been named on the coaching panel of the Casey Demons 19&U side for 2025
Umpire of the Year, presented by WorkSafe
Katrina Turner (North Central Netball Association)
Katrina is an exceptional umpire, person and leader within the community. She is the heart and soul of the Maryborough Castlemaine Football Netball League and without her the league simply wouldn't run.
She is instrumental in recruiting, inspiring, mentoring and assessing our junior umpires to give them the knowledge, skills, confidence and ability to not only umpire well but to love what they do in such a supportive and family driven environment.
Woolworths NetSetGo Centre of the Year
Traralgon Netball Association
The Woolworths NetSetGo program at Traralgon Netball Association has come leaps and bounds in recent times, with Naomi as coordinator. The feedback from parents has been fantastic and very supportive of all the time and effort that Naomi has put in to making the program run smoothly, be inclusive, fun and something the participants want to come to each week.
Naomi has made connections with the local community in seeking sponsorship for weekly encouragement awards (local coffee shop, Intersport, Schnitz etc.) and also ensured each term there is a celebratory breakup where the children are given a hot dog, drink, healthy fruit and fruit box (siblings included).
Inclusive Community of the Year, presented by RACV
Fawkner Netball Club
Inclusivity is embedded in structure of Fawkner Netball Club, with dedicated committee roles for multicultural, First Nations, all abilities, and gender equality liaisons, as well as a wellbeing officer. These roles ensure representation and support across their diverse membership, making sure every voice is heard and every need addressed.
Collaborating with the local association, Darebin Netball Association, Fawkner has worked to provide safe, inclusive spaces for Islamic players, allowing them to play in mixed competitions without direct male-to-female matchups. Furthermore, they've engaged with Islamic families to design culturally sensitive uniforms, including hijabs, leggings, and suitable undergarments. By partnering with local businesses, they ensure that their uniforms accommodate all players comfortably.
Association of the Year, presented by Gilbert
North Central Netball Association
North Central Netball Association transitioned to a Board of Management in 2023, with representatives from each club to ensure equal representation. This change not only promoted fair decision-making and consistent governance but also reduces the burden on individual club volunteers, fostering a more sustainable future for the association. Additionally, NCNA actively celebrates its achievements and supporters throughout the season via social media, strengthening community engagement and recognition of success.
One of NCNA's standout achievements, as recognized by Netball Victoria, is the success of Umpire Development Program, which goes against the grain of many other associations. NCNA recognised the need to create a supportive culture for umpires, providing resources, mentorship, and an environment where individual goals are nurtured. This program has significantly raised the standard of umpiring while ensuring umpires feel valued, ultimately contributing to the long-term growth and strength of NCNA.
WorkSafe Safety Initiative Award
Sale Netball Association
Shepparton Saints Netball Club
Sale Netball Association
As participation grows at SNA, so does the need for enhanced safety measures, particularly for young and new umpires who are crucial to maintaining quality and fairness on the court. With that in mind, SNA sought funding from Wellington Shire for protective umpire training vests to help shield young officials from potential risks.
This initiative not only enhances physical safety but also aligns with national safety policies aimed at reducing youth injury rates.
By fostering a culture of safety and awareness among players, coaches, and spectators, SNA aims to create a secure environment that enriches the netball experience for all involved.
Shepparton Saints Netball Club
Shepparton Saints Netball Club has developed and implemented policies and practices to ensure members’ safety and well-being is catered to.
The introduction of whole club warm-up and cool-downs has enabled the club to communicate and demonstrate the importance of looking after their bodies during a regular safety briefing, to prevent injuries and manage bodies to their best potential.
Members are encouraged to focus on their personal conditioning and strength training to improve their fitness levels, flexibility and endurance.
Open communication is encouraged and is an expectation of the club to help ensure mental wellbeing is acknowledged and supported where possible.
Netball Victoria congratulates all winners and finalists, and thanks each member of our community who submitted a nomination to recognise and celebrate the contribution of somebody in their netball community.
View all the finalists
Watch the 2024 Community Awards presentation
