Presented by HCF
Bayside & District Netball Association's Graham Scull has been recognised as the Volunteer of the Year at the 2023 Netball Victoria Community Awards.
Graham's journey in netball began as both a spectator and player. Regularly competing in mixed netball for many years, he also took to the courts to watch his future wife compete in representative netball. After a brief hiatus, his interest in the sport was reignited when his daughters joined the Sandy Starlets at the Sandringham Netball Association.
Around six years ago, with the association striving for improved facilities, Graham, with a keen business background, saw an opportunity to contribute. He joined the Board with a view to contributing via the New Facility Sub-Committee, and was then appointed as President, a position that he has held for the past three years.
“Given my business background I thought I would be well placed to help with the new facility project and joined the Board with a focus to be on the New Facility Sub-Committee,” said Graham.
He considers the new netball facility at Sandringham Secondary School to be one of his proudest achievements at Bayside & District Netball Association (BDNA).
“The association had been trying for many years to secure better netball facilities in Bayside under the leadership of Kris Pierce, who was able to obtain strong support from Bayside Council and fantastic federal funding,” Graham said.
“It was looking very positive that the new facility was going to become a reality.”
Graham played a crucial role in aligning the Board with their aspirations, and fostered effective teamwork. His strategic approach also led to an important collaboration with the Victorian Netball League club Wilson Storage Southern Saints, providing a clear pathway from grassroots netball to the pre-elite for his association.
Graham’s pride in the accomplishment is palpable, acknowledging the efforts required to get the project off the ground and emphasising what it means for netball in Bayside for decades to come.
"The success achieved has been the result of a fantastic team effort from the Board, our staff, and other volunteers," he said.
For Graham, the most fantastic feeling was witnessing the completed facility; a space that will provide so much for the BDNA community which holds a special place in his heart.
"It’s amazing to be part of such a positive, supportive community that gives young people so much pleasure and opportunity."
Volunteering in netball brings Graham immense pleasure and he’s proud to contribute to the sport he’s so passionate about. Approachable and committed, Graham hopes the association describes him as someone striving to make it the best it can be.
To those considering volunteering in sport, Graham's advice is simple: "Give it a go. You will meet like-minded, community-focused people and have a great time."
“Volunteering in netball offers tangible, rewarding outcomes, and creates potentially life-changing opportunities for young people while everyone enjoys themselves.”
Graham’s journey exemplifies the impact of dedicated volunteers throughout the Victorian netball community, so many of whom leave a lasting legacy the way he has for the Bayside community.
