State Titles Officer (STO) Jess Harrington, a volunteer whose contribution to netball in the Elmer region has spanned 16 years, will leave a powerful legacy as she steps down from her role.
The State Titles provide a fantastic opportunity for all 18 regions in Victoria to come together and compete, where athletes and umpires have the chance to be talent identified and selected into other pathway programs. The Elmer region was named after Dot Elmer, a Netball Victoria Life Member and Hall of Fame Member who made a significant contribution to the sport.
As the Elmer STO, Jess’ hard work, dedication and professionalism has had a lasting impact on netballers in the region. Get to know Jess and find out more about the role of State Titles Officer in Victorian netball.
Tell us about your journey into volunteering as the Elmer State Titles Officer.
My journey into volunteering began in 2009 as part of my work at Victoria University. At the time, we were working on a VNL license and wanted to ensure that our submission included a community work component.
This became the perfect pathway program and truly resonated with me, aligning with my passion for developing and providing opportunities for female athletes.
What is a State Titles Officer and what did you do in your role?
I was responsible for overseeing netball opportunities in the Western Metro region, where I managed everything from selecting coaches, selectors, and volunteers, to organising trials and team selections.
I also led the teams through to the various competitions, ensuring all logistical needs were met. For regional tournaments, I handled booking accommodation and coordinating all aspects of travel for the competing teams.
How has volunteering shaped you?
Volunteering has significantly shaped me both personally and professionally. Leading this program enhanced my skills in organisation, communication, adaptability, and problem-solving. These experiences taught me to work under pressure, manage diverse teams, and handle complex logistics.
This opportunity has also deepened my empathy and broadened my perspective, allowing me to connect with and support others more effectively. It has given me a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment, reinforcing my commitment to making a positive impact in my community.
How will you remember your 16 years as the Elmer State Titles Officer?
I am actually a little emotional as I answer this question…
I have such fond memories of working on this program. I met truly remarkable people who shared the same values and vision I had for the program who I now call good friends. Despite some tough times and scepticism about our region’s success, we remained committed to our goals, and I’m very pleased with the results we achieved.
Meeting Dot Elmer and her family reinforced the importance of this work and motivated me to keep going. What I will miss the most are the players and families I had the privilege of getting to know during my time as STO.
What are you most proud of in your time as the State Titles Officer?
I am proud that we continued to push the boundaries as a region to ensure we delivered a truly impactful program. The athletes and their families committed a tremendous amount of time, so we wanted to make sure it was worthwhile on every level. Our holistic approach to performance educated athletes not only in netball skills and fitness but also in nutrition.
I’m also proud that we promoted and supported every opportunity Netball Victoria made available to athletes, ensuring every eligible participant had the chance to be involved. Each year, we saw athletes return to assist with the program because they had a positive experience, and that makes me truly happy.
What changes have you seen since the beginning of your tenure?
There has been a great deal of change over the past 16 years, such as the introduction of mixed and boys' teams, but the true essence of the program remains the same, which is fantastic. Each year, I see the same faces leading the same regions, and that speaks volumes about what a fantastic program it is. It’s wonderful that this State Titles continues to be a prominent part of the Netball Victoria calendar.
What’s the next move? Will you stay involved in netball?
Yes, I will continue to stay involved in netball and assist the Elmer Region where I can. There are some fantastic people who have stepped up to the challenge and are doing amazing work. I can't wait to see the Elmer Region out there dominating.
What’s your advice to someone considering volunteering as a State Titles Officer?
My advice is to embrace every opportunity with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, while also treating everyone with respect. Building strong relationships with players, families, and volunteers will enhance the experience and foster a supportive environment.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years is the importance of giving constructive feedback. Initially, I found it challenging to send emails informing a young person that they had been unsuccessful, but I worked hard to provide feedback that was both impactful and useful.
In this role we are working with young people at a formative age, so understanding the significance of our communication and how we convey feedback is crucial. Also, surround yourself with good, passionate people and you will have a blast!
Angela Scott steps into the role as current Elmer State Titles Officer.
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