The 2019 Vanessa Dempsey Award has been awarded to Tracey Miller from Koonibba Netball Club, Ceduna for her significant contribution to the engagement and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander netball participants and communities.
Tracey was presented the award at the SA Nunga Netball Carnival earlier this month. With the carnival showcasing the next generation of rising stars in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, it was the perfect setting to acknowledge Tracy’s contributions.
Named after its inaugural winner, the award aims to celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals in this important space and forms part of Netball SA’s commitment to reconciliation, as supported in our Reconciliation Action Plan.
A most fitting recipient of this year’s award, Tracey has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Tracey commenced playing for Koonibba Netball Club in Subbies/Mini Grade. She volunteers her time as a coach at junior and senior levels and as a committee member.
Tracey is passionate about health and fitness within the community. She loves to share her knowledge of experiences in netball, staying healthy and keeping active.
Employed as the Sports and Recreation Coordinator at Ceduna Aboriginal Corporation, her team is responsible for helping increase and promote healthy participation for Aboriginal people in the Ceduna region in sports and recreation activities.
In 2013, at the age of 23 Tracy was the Premiership A Grade Coach and Player. This was the first A Grade Premiership for Koonibba Netball Club.
Tracey achieves all of this while raising three beautiful daughters.
Netball SA Participation Coordinator – Schools and Inclusion, Cath Quinn, says Tracey is a very deserving recipient of the award.
“Tracey has been a great voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander netballers living in regional areas. Tracey brought her understanding of the barriers faced by regional participants and the potential to increase engagement with her during her time on the Netball SA RAP Advisory Group,” said Cath.
“We would like to thank Tracey for the time she spent on the Advisory Group and for the continued work she does engaging Ceduna’s Aboriginal netball community, particularly through Koonibba Netball Club.”
The award winner is selected in consultation between a member of the Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Group and Netball SA staff member.
Award Criteria
- Any individual, netball community group, Association or Club is eligible.
- The nominee has made significant contribution in engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the netball community.
- The nominee supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the sport of netball.
- The nominee has developed opportunities, competitions or programs for inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Applications must provide evidence of consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and/or communities to ensure the initiative meets the needs of the community.
- A nominee may only receive this award once.
