The first recipients at the inaugural Netball SA Awards Gala have been revealed with the winners of the Volunteer Achievement Awards, presented by HCF, named.
More than 300 people watched on from the Theatre of the Adelaide Entertainment Centre as Beverley Nolan and Helen Cutler were celebrated for their contributions to netball.
Earlier this month, three finalists were announced in each category: the HCF Volunteer Achievement Award (Country) and the HCF Volunteer Achievement Award (Metro).
In the country division, Beverley Nolan of the Western Districts Netball Club (WDNC), Julie McLaren of the Myponga Netball Club and Kristen Hawthorn of the Crafers Netball Club were all chosen as deserving finalists for the award.
After much deliberation from the Awards Panel, Beverley Nolan was selected as the overall winner for her significant contribution to helping Western Districts recover from the devastating bushfires that destroyed their clubrooms on Kangaroo Island last year.
A stalwart of the club for many years, she took on her biggest task yet when she put her hand up for the role of president in the wake of the fires.
Motivated by her love for her community, Nolan was dedicated to making sure the netball season at Western Districts went ahead however possible.
With her husband Tony, the pair donated their food van and made modifications to get it up and running. She sorted through options for shelters, heating, change rooms, uniforms, donations, and on top of that, she worked through all the rules and regulations COVID-19 threw her way.
Through it all, her strength, determination, kindness and positive attitude never faltered. When things got tough, she would smile, keep everyone calm and encourage them to move forward.
She led Western Districts out of the ashes in 2021 and the club walked calmly with her as they brought the community together to build a new area for all clubs to enjoy.
A 300 game player, who has taken on almost every role possible at the club, Nolan is an incredibly deserving recipient of the 2021 HCF Volunteer Achievement Award (Country).
In the metro division, Alecia Duke from South Adelaide Netball Club, Helen Cutler from Seaford Storm Netball Club (SSNC) and Mathew Hatchard from Eastern Park Demons were all chosen as finalists.
Helen Cutler was named the overall winner for her dedication to Seaford Storm and the Southern Hills Netball Association (SHNC).
As Secretary of SHNC and President of SSNC, she has been instrumental in bringing all clubs together and helping SSNC grow from a two-team club in 2017 to the 18-team strong club it is today.
Inclusion has been a strong focus for Cutler, culminating in the club’s ability to not only grow its numbers of members, but also retain them. Her mentorship to her fellow committee members has created a legacy the club will carry on into the future.
She has also helped shine a light on the gap the association/club has in incorporating more Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander cultural understandings, considerations and changes. She has helped reinforce the club’s inclusive culture and also created education opportunities for members.
For Reconciliation Week 2021, Cutler encouraged Under 11 player Kadence Burrell to create a design for the club’s bibs, paying homage to Burrell’s Aboriginal culture.
An integral cog for both SSNC and SHNC, Cutler has well and truly earnt her 2021 HCF Volunteer Achievement Award (Metro).
