Each year, Netball SA awards two HCF Volunteer Achievement Awards in the Metro and Country categories in recognition of the hard work our countless volunteers across the state put in to ensure our sport can thrive.
For 2025, Sarah Prime has taken out the country category, while Simone Punshon has won in the metro category.
Sarah Prime was nominated for her exceptional and selfless service to Ports Netball Club for the past decade and dedication to the wider netball community.
Sarah has been an executive committee member at the club for over five years, holding several key roles including Vice-President in 2015 and 2016, and serving as President in 2017.
In addition to these leadership positions, she has taken on numerous delegate roles within the Executive Committee across four years, always stepping up where needed.
She has received the club’s Magpie of the Year award multiple times - most recently in 2024 for her unmatched commitment to advancing the netball program.
Rain, hail, or shine, Sarah shows up for her club and community, supporting netballers from junior level to senior, while balancing her family and work commitments.
One of her most transformative contributions has been leading the development of the club’s strategic plan, a vision she began shaping in 2021.
Thanks to her determination and long-term thinking, the club has started to see results, including the A Grade team winning their first game in five years.
Central to her strategic vision was the creation of "The Nest" - a mobile trainer’s trailer that provides a gazebo shelter with prehab and rehab supplies, hydration and recovery tools, and a space where the players can bond, prepare, and recover.
Sarah is a strong advocate for mental health, creating a safe and supportive environment for the club’s players. She is described as the heartbeat of the club - a selfless, innovative, and inspirational volunteer.
Simone Punshon was nominated for her significant contribution to the Garville Netball Club and the wider netball community.
Among the many volunteer roles she has held with the club, Simone is the current organiser of their Woolworths NetSetGo program and has left a lasting impression on young netballers learning the sport and their parents.
In addition to her passion for grassroots development, she runs the umpire development program at Garville and has played a crucial role in mentoring and advancing the next generation of officials.
Demonstrating initiative and a strong sense of outreach, Simone on multiple occasions arranged for Premier League players to travel to regional country clinics, taking elite-level mentorship to communities that often miss out.
Simone has also been involved with the club’s Men’s Super League team and the development of boys in netball.
As an active member of the club committee, currently in the Vice-President role, she contributes to strategic planning and decision-making, ensuring all voices are heard and priorities align with community needs.
Bringing a wider understanding of the pathway from grassroots to Premier League, her involvement reflects a deep-rooted passion and a collaborative spirit.
Her nomination described her as someone who brings energy, compassion, and professionalism to all her volunteer roles, embodying leadership, generosity, and a lasting impact.
Both Sarah and Simone were celebrated for their awards at the Netball SA Awards Gala on Friday, September 5th.
