Real-world learning in action

Students supporting our Special Olympics netball team 

When you study the Netball Victoria Sport & Business Program, learning goes beyond the classroom. Students get the opportunity to work on real projects, with real organisations, communities and outcomes. 

Currently, four students are working alongside Netball Victoria and the Victorian Special Olympics netball team to help support their journey to the Special Olympics Australian National Games in Melbourne, from 19–23 October. 

Their challenge? Build community support, raise awareness and help raise $10,000 towards the team's participation in the National Games. 

The students are taking the lead across project management, fundraising, community engagement and communications, developing the campaign from concept through to delivery and evaluation. 

Support the students in their fundraising campaign!

1. Step Up for Special Olympics – Go for Gold!

Every step and every donation gets the team closer to the National Games. You can also learn more about the students behind the campaign on our website: Real-world learning in action – Netball VIC

 

2. Billy G's Gourmet Cookie Dough 🍪
A tastier way to help! Billy G's is an Australian, family-owned company with 10 flavours (including Choc Chunk, Golden Classic, Cinnamon Donut, and even Doggie Dough for the four-legged fans). It's fundraiser-exclusive, so now's your chance to stock up.

  • To purchase: grab a tub or two via the fundraising link
  • Or to set up a profile and go for rewards: head to cookiedough.com.au, click Register and follow the prompts (selecting Netball Victoria)

 

Sell two tubs and you'll earn a prize, there are 11 to aim for, with a Free Magic Alien Growing Pet up for grabs if you complete all the virtual badges. Spread the word to family and friends and watch your total grow!

Hear more about each of the students below.

 

 

Amey Batchelor

2026 Student

I’m very excited to be part of this project, especially with Special Olympics holding netball for the first time during their 50th anniversary, there is so much to celebrate. Being part of both the project team and the Marie Little Shield team as a training partner and the team heading to the SO National Games, and having the opportunity to be involved in such a significant first year, is something that is very special to me. I see this as an opportunity to be a voice for both groups and help raise awareness around the event and the opportunities it can create. 

This project also brings together something that all of our group members are passionate about netball. I’m excited to use that shared passion to make a positive impact, while also developing our skills and learning through a real world project. Hopefully, the work we do, can not only support Netball Victoria and the Special Olympics, but also leave a lasting mark on the course by creating opportunities and inspiration for future students to be involved.

Tilly Tams

2026 Student

My name is Matilda Tams, (Tilly) I am 19 years old, play netball myself and I am so beyond excited to be able to work alongside Netball Victoria this year, to support and create awareness regarding one of 2026's biggest inclusive events, The Special Olympics. Being a part of the Special Olympics crew this year has truly been such an eye-opener on how netball creates more than just a home away from home but how a family can arise within. 

The ways to go about supporting Vics' team through projects such as these fundraisers just goes to show how much love this sport can bring out of people on and off the court for not only our own teammates but fellow players too. Weeks into the project I have learnt so much from not only the event itself, but the staff on how we are already showing so much support whilst still finding new ways to improve. 

That is what I truly love about events such as these. Not only do we get to be apart of something so special, but we get to assist young and older Aussies in playing the sport they love whilst helping reduce their barriers to expose their passion and talent to the country.

Issy Warren

2026 Student

My name is Issy, and I am currently studying a Double Diploma in Sport and Business through Netball Victoria. As the Project Lead for this project, I am excited to have the opportunity to help raise funds and awareness for this team and support their journey to compete at the Special Olympics Australian National Games. It’s really meaningful to be able to use my interest in sport to support athletes and help give them the opportunity to compete, represent their team and achieve their goals. 

I’m also looking forward to developing my leadership, communication and project management skills while working alongside Netball Victoria and the Special Olympics team, and gaining valuable real-world experience in the sports industry. I hope this project allows me to contribute positively while also building my confidence and learning more about what it takes to successfully plan and deliver a project.

Olivia Rees

2026 Student

Hi my name is Olivia, I'm doing the Netball Victoria Sports Business Program. I am excited to be apart of this project because I will be able to see the impact my help is going to have on real people. This combines netball and learning through the real industry experience we get to have throughout the course.