The Seaford Storm Netball Club is the 2022 recipient of the 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.
For Seaford Storm, reconciliation is at the forefront of everything they do, as reflected in their statement: ‘for us, reconciliation is everyday, not just a week’.
After launching the design of their reconciliation bibs in 2021 - designed by Aboriginal club member Kadence of the Meintangk, Tanganekald, Bunganditj, Kaurna, Narungga and Ngarrindjeri people - the club has expanded on this in 2022.
Over the last 12 months, they have sold over a 100 reconciliation hoodies, with all funds donated to Aboriginal charities and in 2022, they continued to fundraise by launching their charity tote bags.
In addition, the club hosted the Indigenous round at their home courts and invited all clubs to join in acknowledging the traditional owners of the land and paying respects to Aboriginal people past, present and emerging.
The club were honoured to have a members’ grandfather play the didgeridoo for all in attendance and for Kadence to welcome players, family, friends and officials to the grounds.
Earlier this year, Kadence was nominated for the City of Onkaparinga council’s youth award for her support with the club to increase cultural awareness.
Looking forward, the club will be facilitating a design workshop for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members to design the club’s new polo's launching in 2023.
The polo will also contribute to raising awareness and funds for Aboriginal charities.
The Seaford Storm Netball Club accepted the award at Netball SA’s Awards Gala on Friday, October 14.
Award Criteria
- Any individual, netball community group, Association or Club is eligible.
- The nominee has made 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.
