Netball Victoria proudly congratulates members of our netball community who were recognised with honours as part of the 2026 Australia Day awards.
Elizabeth Aylett – Order of Australia Medal
Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Aylett has devoted more than seven decades to netball, leaving an enduring legacy for girls’ and women’s sport across the local community. Her journey began at just 15 years old as a player and evolved into a remarkable lifelong commitment that has shaped generations of participants, umpires and volunteers.
Lizzie took up the whistle in 1964 after noticing a shortage of experienced umpires at her daughter Jenny’s matches and feeling inspired to contribute to a welcoming and encouraging experience for girls in the sport. What began as simply stepping in to help soon grew into an extraordinary 58-year umpiring career, spanning community competitions and some of Victoria’s most formative years of netball growth.
Beyond the court, Lizzie played a pivotal role in the development of netball in Melbourne’s east. She was instrumental in the early establishment of what would become the Whitehorse Netball Association, helping transform informal competitions into a structured and sustainable association at a time when opportunities for girls were rapidly expanding.
Lizzie retired from umpiring in 2022 at the age of 85, closing the chapter on a career defined by professionalism, fitness and an unwavering commitment to the game. Yet retirement has not meant stepping away. She continues to mentor junior players and umpires, dedicating her Saturday mornings to supporting their development and passing on her knowledge. Her enduring presence in the white uniform remains a powerful symbol of her passion and belief in girls’ sport.
A life member of Belcoma Netball Club and the Whitehorse Netball Association, Lizzie’s influence extends well beyond her own involvement. Netball has become part of her family’s fabric, with multiple generations having played, officiated or volunteered within the sport. Described by her granddaughter as the epitome of a “human ray of sunshine”, Lizzie is a true inspiration to all who value community, service and opportunity through sport.
She continues to mentor to young players and umpires at all clubs in the Mountain District Association, supporting young girls in the netball community.
Karen Romano – Australia Day Medallion
Karen has been committed to the Warragul and District Netball Association for the past 10 years, leading the association as their president.
From running and managing competitions to supporting coaches and players, Karen is known for her hard work and her ability to create a welcoming environment. Under her leadership, the association now successfully delivers two annual competitions, with the summer season alone attracting more than 100 teams
Karen assembled the WDNA committee earlier in her career, with the committee now advocating for a new facility and improvements within the district.
She is known to operate with insight, steadiness, and is known for her dedication. Her positivity and devotion to the association has had a long-lasting impact on the Warragul community.
Emily Sutton – Young Citizen of the Year (Latrobe City)
Emily has been involved in the netball community at a young age, paving her way through the Netball Victoria pathway and is now looking to guide others in the netball community.
A well-known face within the Morwell East Football and Netball club, Emily is a player and coach for the past three years, passionate about helping young players develop their netball skills.
She took part in the SEDA program where she delivered netball skills sessions and continued to demonstrate her dedication to the netball community. She then continued to be an active member of the Changing Gippsland’s Game network, and has been a part of the GippSport team for the past two years.
Emily strives to promote gender equality within her community, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate in netball.
She is known to be a committed member of the netball community, her ongoing volunteer work and passion for mentoring young people through coaching reflect her deep commitment.
