Nyree Coleman is the 2025 recipient of the Vanessa Dempsey Award, recognised for her commitment to the engagement and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander netball participants and communities.
The award is named after inaugural recipient, proud Ngarrindjeri, Narungga and Jingili woman, and well-known member of the Netball SA community, Vanessa Dempsey.
Nyree was nominated for her long-standing contribution to the Koonibba Netball Club (KNC).
Since its establishment around 1960, the KNC has stood as a beacon of community spirit on the Far West Coast of South Australia, proudly Aboriginal-managed by the vibrant community of strong Aboriginal women in Ceduna.
From its very beginning, Nyree's family has been intertwined with the club's fabric, with
generations continually stepping up as committee members, umpires, coaches, team managers, players, and volunteers.
Nyree’s contribution began with her very first junior games and continues today. She was the driving force behind the KNC's participation in the Netball SA Junior Carnival, a monumental undertaking that brought dreams to life for the club's young players.
With inspiring initiative, she proactively secured vital sponsorships and support from various organizations, transforming an aspiration into a tangible reality.
This powerful act of leadership forged an unbreakable bond among everyone involved. The club, fueled by the unwavering support of the committee, coaches, volunteers, and passionate supporters, ensured the juniors not only participated but thrived.
For three years, Nyree has poured her energy into nurturing the next generation as the KNC's Junior Development Officer, a role she's now gracefully passing on, empowering new leaders to emerge.
Her nomination described her as a shining example of how one individual's passion and leadership can profoundly uplift an entire community.
Award Criteria:
- Any individual, netball community group, Association or Club is eligible.
- The nominee has made a 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.
