Netball Victoria and Melbourne Vixens CEO, Rosie King OAM’s commitment, passion and leadership has been rightfully recognised today with Rosie receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Last year, under Rosie’s leadership, netball came out in a more sustainable position despite the many challenges facing Victorians following a horror period in our history, including bushfires and the pandemic. Under her guidance, Netball Victoria was not only able to survive through the crisis period, but thrive, by retaining all jobs within the organisation and ensuring that no one was left behind. Many in the Victorian netball community also received grants which ensured that they were supported and able to restart once restrictions were eased.
Having joined Netball Victoria in 2016, Rosie’s guidance in netball has seen it remain the top team sport for females in Victoria and Australia, with more Victorians representing and excelling at both national and international levels in all facets of our sport.
Rosie’s advocacy for the sport and for gender equality has resulted in funding for two statues of female netballers included in the Victorian state budget. Her proposal, that was publicly launched on International Women’s Day, aimed to eliminate the inequity of sporting statues across the state, which stands at 29 males, 3 females and 3 horses immortalised in bronze.
Among her achievements for the sport is the redevelopment of the State Netball Centre in Parkville, which saw a $64.6 million investment from the Andrews government, due to be completed this year.
Rosie said she was elated to have been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia.
“To receive such an honour is incredibly humbling. I am very lucky to have worked with and volunteered alongside so many wonderful people who have taught and encouraged me over the journey,” said King.
“It’s very easy to be passionate when you genuinely care and love what you do. Sport is an amazing instrument to help build connections and community spirit and I consider myself very fortunate to have been involved in many different elements of the industry.
“I would not have been able to achieve the outcomes that I have in sport without the support of the great people I’ve met along the way, as well, of course, as my beautiful family.
“I hope that this recognition can demonstrate to other women that sport provides endless possibilities either through volunteering or as a rewarding career path. I am very grateful.”
Rosie King’s achievements
Current:
CEO, Netball Victorian and the Melbourne Vixens
Director, Paralympics Australia (volunteer)
Previously:
Executive at the Geelong Football Club
Executive at Sport New Zealand
Awarded:
Distinguished Alumni (Federation University)
Victorian Sports Administrator of the Year (VicSport)
Graeme Samuel Scholarship (AFL)
Qualifications:
Graduate, Australian Institute of Company Directors
Master in Business Management
Graduate Certificate in Business Management
Graduate, Harvard Business School Boston
Graduate, AFL Executive Leadership program
