Chantel Bucksin, Nyree Coleman, and sisters Brenda, Robin and Priscilla Forbes, are the finalists of the 2025 Vanessa Dempsey Award for their 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.
Chanel Buckskin was nominated for her significant impact on the Narungga Junior Netball Club and wider netball community.
Her journey with the Narungga Junior Netball Club began several years ago when she recognised the need for a structured and supportive environment for young netball enthusiasts in the Narungga region.
With a vision to create opportunities for youth to engage in sports, she embarked on a mission to establish a club that would not only teach netball skills but also instil values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
From the outset, Chantel was deeply involved in every aspect of the club's development, including securing funding by liaising with local businesses and community leaders to gather support.
Her ability to connect with people and convey her vision inspired many to contribute, whether through financial support or volunteering their time.
Once the club was established, Chantel took on the role of coach and mentor. Her approach to coaching was holistic, focusing not only on developing technical skills but also on building confidence and resilience in her players.
Under Chantel's leadership, the Narungga Junior Netball Club flourished and gained a reputation for its competitive spirit and sportsmanship, attracting players from neighbouring communities.
She has actively sought to engage Indigenous youth, recognising the importance of representation and cultural pride in sports.
In addition to her work with the players, Chantel acts as a mentor to other coaches and volunteers. She shares her knowledge and experience generously, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning within the club.
Nyree Coleman 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.
Sisters Brenda, Robin and Priscilla Forbes were nominated for their contribution to the netball community in Port Augusta.
From playing, to coaching, to contributing to the committee, all three sisters have been heavily involved in engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Port Augusta and surrounding areas in netball.
All are proud Kuyani, Adnyamathanha, Kokatha women and are following the netball legacy their late mother, Maxine Forbes has left.
Priscilla, Brenda-Lee and Robin were the driving force behind supporting the Port Augusta Community to take teams to Adelaide to compete in the inaugural SA Nunga Netball Carnival.
That year, they filled a team in every grade and the U17’s took out the premiership. Priscilla was also chosen as the SANN Team Manager for the U13 development squad.
With their encouragement, mentorship and support, many Port Augusta and surrounding areas are nominating teams to participate in SA Nunga Netball each year.
Priscilla has been a part of the South Australian Aboriginal Football and Netball Sports Carnival State Committee since 2016, providing advice and policy direction towards the running and operations for the Sports Carnival. She is currently the State Committee Netball Co-Ordinator.
Brenda-Lee is the current delegate for Port Augusta and Robin is the Team Manager for the Port Augusta B Grade side, roles they have filled since 2009.
Through hard times, the sisters have always maintained their commitment to netball and their community, explaining they were able to continue because of the support and love they felt from the players, their families and supporters.
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.
