The winners of Netball Victoria’s 2024 Community Awards were announced last week, celebrating the contributions of individuals, clubs, and associations to the sport across the state.

Five individuals, three associations, and two clubs received honours across eight categories, after being nominated by peers and selected by a panel of up to four in each category. The evening was officially opened and welcomed by Netball Victoria President, Carol Cathcart, during the Community Awards presentation.

The North Central Netball Association (NCNA) was named Association of the Year, a testament to its progressive leadership, innovative programs, and unwavering commitment to its members.

The prestigious accolade was accepted by NCNA’s 2024 Board of Management President, Kylie Walsh, on behalf of the Board and its members. In her acceptance speech, Kylie highlighted the extraordinary volunteer efforts that have been pivotal to the association’s success. “The countless hours given by our Board volunteers, along with their unique talents and passion they bring to their roles, have set NCNA on a positive trajectory,” she said.

Board of Management

After years of careful planning, NCNA transitioned to a formal Board of Management in 2023.

This innovative governance model includes volunteer delegates from each NCNA club, ensuring equal representation and fair decision-making. By reducing the administrative burden on individual clubs, the Board fosters collaboration and sturdiness in its roles, enabling the association to strengthen.

“The continuity into our second year of the Board has brought stability and a renewed sense of direction,” Kylie shared. “This recognition reflects the strength of our governance model and the expertise we’ve been fortunate to gain, including guidance from AFL Central Victoria during the Board’s formation and over the past two years.”

Pathway for juniors

Addressing the evolving needs of the association, particularly amongst the top age junior cohort, to name but one area. NCNA introduced a new “C” reserve competition in 2024. This grade blends junior and senior players, offering a pathway for juniors to transition into senior netball, while regaining confidence and developing skills. Mentorship from senior players in this competition has been pivotal, fostering growth and camaraderie among all participants. The success of “C” reserve has strengthened NCNA’s player development pipeline and demonstrated the association’s commitment to providing opportunities for players at all stages of their netball journey.

NCNA’s Umpire Development Program has become a benchmark for fostering a supportive umpiring culture. Over the past two years, the association has awarded 24 “C” badges, supported a “B” endorsed tester, and trained three “C” endorsed testers, significantly raising the standard of umpiring. This growth has been driven by the tireless efforts of NCNA’s Umpire Coordinator, who has dedicated countless hours arranging mentoring, testing, workshops, and collaborating with Netball Victoria. Netball Victoria also recognised NCNA earlier this year and its successful injection of badged Umpires and the Umpire Development Program, which is against the grain of many associations and leagues.

“Our Umpire Co-ordinator Nicole Amos, has been instrumental in creating an environment where umpires feel supported and valued,” Kylie said.

“Her passion, time management expertise to assign NCNA mentors and testers across the association, whilst mentoring emerging umpires have played a key role in elevating umpiring standards and ensuring the sustainability of the program.”

NCNA actively acknowledges the achievements of its members and supporters through a robust social media presence, strengthening community engagement and unity. This has been a particular focus from the Board and a specific role this season, which created an astonishing media footprint and positive environment for members and supporters alike.

“This award is a well-deserved recognition of the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in NCNA,” Kylie said. “It reflects our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive, and forward-thinking environment for our members and supporters.”

Congratulations to the North-Central Netball Association for this outstanding achievement and recognised for setting an inspiring example for community sport by Netball Victoria.

Representative squads

The recently named squads for the NCNA Representative Teams:

• 17-&-Under:

Zali Angel, Jessie Fawcett, Millie Hando, Beau Haslam, Gracie Humpreys, Lily Humpreys, Maggie Riley, Tessa Sheahan, Jada Symes, Libby Thompson. Coaches, Kylie Walsh and Claudia Lee.

• 15-&-Under:

Milla Adams, Lana Angel, Erin Blair, Sienna Carroll, Evie Donnellon, Lana Fawcett, Asha Lee, Stella Nicolson, Prue O’Sullivan, Halle Rice. Coach, Aliza Lockhart.

• 13-&-Under:

Rosie Fitzpatrick, Heidi Hogan, Victoria Lanyon, Grace McAuliffe, Bridget Perryman, Ashlei Poyner, Sienna Richmond, Gemma Tynan, Willow Vearing, Imogen Watts. Coach, Roxy Train.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 2 May 2025.