The Wyndham Netball Association (WNA) took out one of the top honours at the Victorian Sport Awards on June 12.
The association received the VicHealth Active Recreation Initiative of the Year award for their Positive Starts program aimed at arresting a decline in participation rates post COVID-19.
WNA’s Rebecca Johnstone was on had to accept the award at Wednesday night’s ceremony at Marvel Stadium, which was appropriate given Positive Starts was her idea.
Johnstone pitched an idea to Netball Victoria (NV) to partner the Department of Education and Training’s Positive Starts Netball Grants with WNA. Offering participants complimentary ‘Train Like a Vixen’ skills sessions, Rebecca secured funding beyond the Net Set Go program for primary schools, aligning with WNA’s target audience by also obtaining funding for secondary school participation. She recruited ten coaches to support the program and ensured transportation expenses were covered to eliminate schools’ financial concerns. In all, 2,161 students participated across 12 schools and 20 year levels, revitalising Wyndham’s netball scene.
“It was such an amazing night and to have been selected by the panel as the overall winner when there were other finalists that were also such high calibre, was very humbling,” said Johnstone of winning the award.
“I didn’t set out for this program to be nominated for this award, I honestly just saw it as an opportunity to build on the Wyndham Netball Association participation rates by utilising my skills and contacts in the education field.”
WNA’s award was one of 19 presented on the evening, with the most prestigious being the Outstanding Contribution to Victorian Sport Award bestowed on long-time sports physician, Dr Peter Brukner OAM.
Dr Brukner was honoured for his 50-year career treating athletes which has included involvement with five Australian national teams
(swimming, hockey, athletics, football and cricket) and two Olympic campaigns, FIFA and ICC world cups and an AFL premiership.
“The awards night celebrates the dedication and importance of our clubs, coaches, officials, administrators, and volunteers across the state – it’s fantastic to see these Victorian icons receive the recognition they deserve,” said Vicsport Chair Ritchie Hinton.
“These awards also provide us with the opportunity to celebrate unsung heroes like Dr Peter Brukner who are integral to the health and success of our sports at home and abroad.”
Cade Lucas.
