Netball Victoria is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Life Member and Hall of Fame Member Dorothy Elmer.
Dot has long been an integral part of the Netball Victoria community, with the Elmer Netball Region named after her in 1991 in recognition of her service to the sport. The region competes in the Victorian State Titles and is home to over 15,000 avid netballers.
Her netball journey began in the 1950s as a player before she ventured off court and discovered her passion for the administration side of netball. Dot also took up umpiring and was a long-serving volunteer for over four decades, showcasing her commitment to the betterment of our sport. Dot had a deep and abiding interest in the development of youth and the pursuit of excellence for those committed to the Victorian netball pathway.
Dot’s earliest netball achievement occurred in 1973, receiving her All-Australian Umpires Badge, followed by her Victorian Netball Association Life Membership in 1985 in recognition of her long-standing contribution to netball.
An active member on multiple boards throughout her lifetime, including as a member of Victorian Women’s Basketball Association Grade Rep Umpires Committee, Dot was also the Public Officer for the Victorian Netball Association from 1993-1999 prior to becoming the President of Netball Victoria in 1999.
Dot not only had a hand in the umpiring world, but also the selection process and team management. She was the Victorian Team Manager from 1968-1970 for the 18/Under team and stepped into the role once again from 1972-1974 for the 20/Under side when they travelled to Sydney, Adelaide and Perth.
Dot also played a pivotal role in creating an inclusive environment for all as part of the Committee for National Netball Carnival for Disabled Players, and brought national competitions to life through roles such as Organising Committee Member for the Australia Games Netball Series.
She was inducted into the Netball Victoria Hall of Fame in 2006 and was also awarded the Australian Sports Medal, reflecting her influence on the netball landscape in Victoria. Dot had a decorated netball career spanning decades and we’re grateful for her remarkable and selfless service.
Our thoughts are with Dot’s family, friends and all those in the Victorian netball community lucky enough to spend time with her.
Awards & Achievements:
1973 - A.A. Umpires Badge (highest level of officiating in Australian netball)
1985 - Victorian Netball Association Life Membership
1991 - Western Metropolitan region named in her honour - the Elmer Region
1994 - Nominee Victorian Sport Awards, Eunice Gill Award for Sports Administration
2000 - Australian Sports Medal
2001 - Nominee Sports Star of the Year Awards (Northern Division) for Services to Netball
2006 - Netball Victoria Hall of Fame (one of our highest honours, recognising exemplary service)
Dot's family have shared that a celebration of her life will take place at 11am Monday 27 June at St Bernard's Church, Bacchus Marsh.
