Six of South Australia’s best volunteers have been recognised for their contributions to netball, named as finalists for the 2025 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 Steph Cains, Simone Punshon, and Lois Scaife.
For Country, the finalists are Hollie Bullock, Sarah Prime and Alex Stratford.
The winners will be announced at Netballs SA’s Awards Gala on Friday, September 5.
TICKETS: Purchase tickets to the Gala HERE.
HCF Volunteer Achievement Award (Metro)
Steph Cains was nominated for her dedication and passion as president of the Matrics Netball Club, as well as her contribution to the sport more broadly.
For the past 12 years, Steph has devoted herself to netball in a range of demanding and high-impact roles, all of which have been on a volunteer basis.
She has been a key contributor at Matrics for over a decade, taking on roles that span governance, strategy, operational support, people management and community engagement.
Her weekly commitments often exceed 25 hours, demonstrating her work ethic and care for the sport.
In addition to her presidency at Matrics, Steph is the Team Manager for Netball SA’s 17U State Team and the Adelaide Thunderbirds Futures Team.
These high-performance roles require coordination of complex logistics, travel, player support, and serving as the critical link between players, coaches, families, and Netball SA.
She has also fostered meaningful relationships across the club and broader netball community building trust with players, parents, coaches, Netball SA, and other stakeholders.
Her calm, professional, and solutions-focused approach makes her a go-to person across all levels of the sport.
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.
Lois Scaife was nominated for her long-standing contribution to the Elizabeth Netball Association.
A member of the association’s committee before taking on the role of President, her nomination stated that ENA would not be where they are today without her.
From umpiring, to playing, to volunteering on the committee, Lois has been a significant contributor to seeing the association reach its highest-ever participation numbers.
Known for being a consistent familiar face at the ENA courts, she has shown unwavering support to existing teams while also helping new teams as they enter the association.
Lois is the work horse behind organising carnivals and plays a big role in development for players, umpires and coaches.
She works closely with the local council and the surrounding football, soccer and cricket clubs to ensure the sports precinct is fit for purpose with the best possible facilities.
On many occasions, Lois and her husband have tending to the maintenance of the courts, in a showing of her deep commitment to ENA.
Prior to this season, Lois entered all the scores into Play HQ each week on her own.
She attended all council meetings at Netball SA to represent ENA and is the biggest advocate for players and clubs in the Northern suburbs.
HCF Volunteer Achievement Award (Country)
Hollie Bullock was nominated for her contribution to the Loxton Netball Club for 14 years and counting.
Since joining the club in 2011 as a player, Hollie has made an extraordinary impact both on and off the court.
Her playing achievements include three A1 premierships (2012, 2014, 2023), three A1 Best and Fairest awards, and multiple RNA Team of the Year selections in a testament to her skill, consistency, and leadership.
From early on in her involvement, she committed herself to volunteering in multiple capacities, including coaching roles, umpiring, and serving on the club’s committee - most
recently as Vice-President and now President.
Over the past four years, Hollie has been a driving force behind the development of the club, particularly through the transition to the new Loxton Sporting Precinct in 2020.
Her efforts helped secure access to essential amenities, including the canteen, which now provides critical fundraising opportunities for the club.
Hollie has also fostered unity between Loxton’s netball and football clubs and spearheaded efforts to advocate for and secure over $60,000 in funding for a community playground and BBQ area at the precinct.
Her nomination described her as the true spirit of volunteerism. Her leadership, dedication, and tireless service have left a lasting impact on the Loxton Netball Club and the wider sporting community.
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 202 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 our 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.
Alex Stratford was nominated for her unwavering commitment and contribution to the Great Flinders Netball Association.
Alex joined the GFNA committee at just 20 years old in 2023, stepping into the roles of Vice President, U17 Manageress, and Sponsorship Coordinator.
Her impact was immediate and significant. In 2024, at only 21, she became one of the youngest presidents in the association’s history, while continuing her roles as U17
Manageress and Sponsorship Coordinator.
A level of commitment rarely seen, let alone at such a young age. Now 22, she continues to serve as President and U17 Manageress in 2025 with unwavering dedication.
Beyond these roles, Alex volunteers her time to association trials and training sessions, as well as sourcing development opportunities for the association’s umpires, coaches, and players.
As a regional association, she is committed to coordinating travel and securing venues to five the players the best possible opportunities.
Beyond the local level, Alex is also currently engaged in strategic planning and forward-thinking discussions with executive members from other leagues, playing a key role in exploring future opportunities for growth and potential amalgamation.
This demonstrates her long-term commitment to the sport and her ability to think beyond the day-to-day, helping position GFNA for sustainable success.
She has fostered strong relationships across clubs, players, and the wider community, and has always led with inclusivity and collaboration at heart.
She has served continuously and voluntarily for more than three years and was described in her nomination as a respected and much admired leader in the netball community.
The winners of the 2025 HCF Volunteer of the Year awards for Metro and Community will be revealed and celebrated at the Netball SA Awards Gala on September 5.
Winners will also be acknowledged across Netball South Australia’s digital and social channels.
