Passion for netball clearly runs in the family for mother and daughter Fiona and Jordan Chisholm, who were both named as nominees in the 2023 Netball Victoria Community Awards.
Nominated for Volunteer of the Year and Coach of the Year respectively, Fiona and Jordan showcase an unwavering commitment to netball, their community, and each other.
Growing up on and around the netball courts in Geelong, Jordan's fondest childhood memories include playing and forming lifelong friendships within the netball community.
"My mum has always said it began as soon as I was born, and that I was on the side of the netball court from about six weeks old," Jordan said.
Jordan’s playing career began at just eight years old with the Bell Park Football Netball Club. Tasting success with both Geelong Central Netball Association (GCNA) and Geelong Flyers, she also represented the Barwon region as a 17&U player.
Jordan credits the association with playing a pivotal role in shaping her formative years in netball.
“My involvement in GCNA encouraged me to become the best version of myself, as I was constantly pushed by my passionate peers and coaching staff,” she said.
After an ACL injury saw her sidelined at the beginning of the 2019 season, Jordan found a new joy in coaching. Becoming a beacon during her rehabilitation, her new role eventually inspired her return to the court as a player.
“The growth of the players I coached across the time I was involved with them encouraged and inspired me to get back to playing the game I adore,” Jordan said.
Jordan's coaching achievements include heading the GCNA team in 2022 and coaching the 15&U Barwon Region State Titles team. Her coaching career reflects her commitment to nurturing emerging talent, and her advice to new coaches echoes her journey.
"Nothing beats experience. Take in as much from the experiences and learn from the people around you."
Learning from the best, Jordan acknowledges the profound influence her mother Fiona has had on her career in netball.
"My mum is my influence. The role she has played in shaping my attitudes around how I approach my netball... I strive to be like her, selfless, brave, daring, and progressive," she said.
“She inspires me to be committed to my community.”
Fiona began her own netball journey at Geelong West at the age of six. Her extensive netball resume includes playing, coaching, officiating and umpiring at several clubs. She has also played over 300 games for – and contributed a phenomenal 23 years of volunteering service to – Bell Park.
From committee roles to coordinating events, Fiona is an exceptionally dedicated member of the Victorian netball community and acknowledges that it’s the people who make this tight-knit community.
“The friendships with the amazing people who have volunteered alongside me is one of the reasons this place is so special,” she said.
At GCNA, Fiona's organisational prowess shone as she embraced and spearheaded the transition of systems from the traditional pen and paper to the digital space.
Facing one of the most difficult stages of her life last year, Fiona continued to volunteer despite battling stage 1 breast cancer. Her resilience and commitment even during challenging times exemplify her enduring passion for the game and her community.
“It was this association that gave me something to keep my mind ticking over,” she said.
“It kept me sane and made me want to get on with my recovery... even when the competition was going and I was on the couch recovering, I was just a phone call away - helping out in every way that I could.”
Fiona describes GCNA as special due to its supportive community, one in which innovation is always welcomed.
“We have adapted and changed our association to become more inclusive by adding new programs to our roster that encourage all people, no matter their age, gender or ability to get involved,” she said.
After being informed of her nomination at the 2023 Netball Victoria Community Awards, Fiona was delighted when she saw that her daughter had also been nominated.
"I was so proud to find out that Jordan had been nominated also, she is so deserving of this accolade,” Fiona said.
“She may be only 21 but the knowledge and love of the game this girl has inspires me.”
Netball has clearly strengthened the bond between this mother and daughter pair. Their shared passion for netball provides an avenue to give back to the community together, and is a connection they foster both on and off the court.
“It's such a big part of both of our lives and connects us even more."
