Netball Victoria has acknowledged the champions of the country’s leading team sport for women and girls at the inaugural Netball Victoria Awards recently.
Among the winners were the Lindenow South Football Netball Club and West Bairnsdale Primary School teacher, Paul West.
For many years, the Community Awards have celebrated people in the Victorian netball community who have lived and breathed the values of Netball Victoria, helping the sport thrive and continue to grow.
For the first time, the Netball Victoria Awards were held in a format that celebrated every aspect of the netball community with the announcement of the Community Awards winners, the presentation of Netball Victoria’s newest life member, Kate Wright and the acknowledgment of the Victorian Netball League, state representative teams and the Melbourne Vixens, with an event at the RACV City Club in Melbourne.
The event bringing together members of the netball community from across the state.
The Victorian netball year draws to a close, the sport is on track to again announce a record-breaking membership tally, with
more people participating in the sport in Victoria than ever before, already up on last year’s 118,000 registered members.
West was acknowledged as the teacher of the year, exemplifying the true spirit of Netball Victoria’s Teacher of the Year Award, leading with dedication, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to community.
For over a decade, West has championed netball as a tool for connection, confidence, and opportunity across East Gippsland.
Through an innovative partnership with The Smith Family, West created a program that empowered young First Nations girls at
Bairnsdale Secondary College to become netball coaches, developing leadership skills and cultural pride while mentoring younger students.
From organising long-distance travel to ensure Bairnsdale West Primary School students could compete in Netball Victoria’s School Championships, to building partnerships with local clubs to sustain involvement, West breaks down barriers and opens doors for every student, regardless of background or ability.
His inclusive programs welcome students of all genders, cultures, and abilities, and his leadership fosters a culture where everyone feels seen, supported, and inspired.
Paul West doesn’t just teach netball, he builds leaders, communities, and lifelong connections to the game.
Lindenow South Football Netball Club has been recognised for its proactive approach to safety and risk management, both on and off the court.
The club has taken clear, practical steps to create a safer environment, from regularly updating safety policies and ensuring all facilities and equipment meet compliance standards, to providing hands-on training for coaches, trainers, players, and volunteers.
They also ran a dedicated safety meeting and a first aid training night to build awareness and confidence among members.
