The Victorian Netball Community has been recognised at the 2017 Australia Day Awards Ceremonies across the State, with several individuals acknowledged for their work on a local or national level.
Deirdre Ades from Chelsea Heights received the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to netball at the Chelsea and District Netball Association and Bonbeach Netball Club.
Ades is a Life Member of Chelsea and District Netball Association, having been President, Coach and Umpires Coach during her time at the Association.
She was also the founding President of Bonbeach Netball Club in 2011, as well as a Committee Member and now serves as a Coach and an Umpiring Supervisor.
Along with Ades, some of the others who received Australia Day honours have had involvement with our beloved game.
Jean Hamilton received the Medal of the Order of Australia for her services to the community of Longwood, where she is a Life Member of the Longwood Football Netball Club, and a former Canteen Manager.
Similarly, Dianne Radford received the Award for her contribution to the Ararat Community. Radford is a Committee Member of the Great Western Netball Club.
Dr Katrina Watson was awarded for her service to medicine and was a Medical Officer for netball at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, whilst Darrell White from Hazelwood was also recognised, being heavily involved with the Churchill Football Netball Club, in which he was President, Treasurer and a Life Member.
Along with these recipients is former Australian Netball Captain, Liz Ellis AM, who was rewarded for her distinguished service to netball.
Ellis, who is now a commentator for the Suncorp Super Netball, received the Officer of the Order of Australia in recognition of her contributions to the sport both on and off court.
Congratulations from Netball Victoria to all the award recipients and thank you to everyone in our Netball Community who give their time and energy to support our sport.
