Six of South Australia’s best volunteers have been recognised for their contributions to netball, named as finalists for the 2024 HCF Volunteer Achievements Awards.
The volunteers were nominated across two categories, Metro and Country, to recognise the efforts of these individuals all across the state.
In the Metro category, the finalists are Tricia Crockford, Wendy McDonnell and Lee-Anne Petherick.
For the country category, the finalists are Susan Fox, Josie McArdle-Long and Natasha Tillson.
The winners will be announced at Netballs SA’s Awards Gala on Friday, October 4.
HCF Volunteer Achievement Award (Metro)
Tricia Crockford was nominated for her ongoing commitment to netball at many levels. For Contax Netball Club, Tricia coaches the youngest netballers at the club in the sub-primaries level to the most senior men’s team in the M-League.
Her dedication to Contax is only matched in her passion for the SA Rubies state netball team, for women with an intellectual disability.
Over the past 11 years with the team, Tricia has volunteered countless hours to the side as coach of the Rubies who recently won bronze at the 2024 Marie Little Shield competition.
In her nomination, she was recognised for her ability to create a safe and inclusive environment for all players who are a part of the Rubies family and her commitment to ensuring they take away life-long memories.
She is dedicated to their development as netballers, but also provides immense support to the players off the court too.
In 2024, she secured visits to training from the Adelaide Thunderbirds as well as players from the Adelaide Crows AFLW program who created enriching experiences for the Rubies.
Wendy McDonnell was nominated for her commitment to the Newton Jaguars Netball Club where she has volunteered across numerous roles for over 10 years.
She has coached across both junior and senior grades and is currently the club secretary, sponsorships manager and uniform manager.
Each week, Wendy dedicates countless hours across each roll and is often the key contact for new members, club sponsors, player sponsors and player enquiries.
She coordinates committee meetings, sponsors and grants, uniform design, and catering for the Premier League program. She has also been a key driver in the club’s Annual Spring Gully stand on Saturdays.
In her nomination, she was acknowledged for the support she offers to all players, parents and club members, in particular her support of the club’s C6 team for netballers with a disability.
In addition, Wendy dedicates her time as a specialist coach for the club’s TID camps and programs.
She has built strong connections across the AMND, City Night and SADNA associations as well as across the Premier League competition.
Her nomination recognised her dedication to the club, stating the Newton Jaguars Netball Club would be ‘lost without her’.
Lee-Anne Petherick was nominated for her contribution to the Contax Netball Club for almost 30 years.
Currently President of the club - a role she has held for 17 years - Lee-Anne has held a number of roles over the years in her time on the Management Committee.
Her nomination acknowledged her impact on the club’s growth and sustained success and the strong leadership she has provided as a mentor to many.
As President, Lee-Anne is across conflict management, people management, sponsorship, marketing, social network, fundraising, and events.
More recently, she was integral in the establishment of Contax’s men’s team in the Super League, has been a driving force in the club’s Indigenous netball initiatives, and is a passionate advocate for inclusion in sport.
She has also played a key role in piloting the new NetSetGO program with Netball Australia to ensure the future of junior netball players is engaging.
Lee-Anne was nominated for her passion, commitment, and significant impact on Contax Netball Club and the broader netball community.
HCF Volunteer Achievement Award (Country)
For the country, Susan Fox was nominated for her 52 years of service (and counting) to the Barmera Netball Club.
Starting out as an A Grade netballer for Barmera, Susan took out the Best & Fairest in 1973 before starting her coaching career with the club in 1988.
She coached a range of teams from A1 to C1 and across the junior grades as she explored opportunities to expand the club’s junior development.
In 1992, she coached an U13 team at the U15 Riverland Association competition which opened doors for future development at the club.
In 2024, she took on the role of Skills Development Coach for junior players and coaches, all while coaching two senior teams.
Not only has she been a player, coach, umpire, and development officer, Susan has consistently held roles on the committee and was named a Life Member of the club in 2005.
In her nomination, she was recognised for her love of netball and the club, her enthusiasm and kindness to everyone at the club.
Josie McArdle was nominated for her unwavering dedication to netball, particularly in her time with the Long Plains Netball Club and Adelaide Plains Netball Association.
After joining the club as a player in 1969, Josie has dedicated countless hours as a volunteer of the club and association, holding numerous roles from club president to association president, coach and selector.
She has coached almost every junior and senior grade at the club and has coached the A4 side in 2024. Her passion for junior development is strong, running clinics at the start of each season to nurture young talent and foster a love for the game.
Behind the scenes, Josie is always first to nominate herself to help out at the club and has been a mentor for many, across coaching, umpiring, and general support.
Her nomination described her as hard-working and humble with a strong leadership style that has been critical to the club’s success and the development of players and administrators in the wider netball community.
Natasha Tillson was nominated for her contributions to the Myponga Netball Club and Great Southern Netball Association.
At just 23 years of age, Natasha’s commitment to her club and wider association is undeniable, dedicating her time across a range of roles.
In 2023, she was named Myponga’s Best Club Person as well as receiving the club’s Senior Umpire award, recognising her significant impact.
Natasha has been the club’s umpire coordinator for the past four years and runs their Green Shirt Program, delivering training sessions and mentoring on Game Days.
In 2024, she was also taken on the role of Vice President in addition to her role as Social Activities Coordinator, arranging multiple events for the community.
For the association, she has also been Great Southern’s Rep Coordinator along with obtaining her accreditation to assist with badging club umpires across GSNA.
Her nomination recognised her willingness to help wherever she can, acknowledging the club wouldn’t be where it is today without her.
