Natasha Chisholm is the 2023 recipient of the Vanessa Dempsey Award for her 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.
Natasha has been involved in running the SA Nunga Netball Junior Carnival for several years alongside Vanessa Dempsey, helping with team registrations, communicating with teams, creating draws and fixtures, and offering general support for management of the event.
Additionally, she played a significant role in the inaugural Rising Sisters Aboriginal Netball Program with Netball SA in 2023 as the team support manager, co-ordinating parents and participants, answering questions, taking photos and performing many other duties to help ensure the program is a success for the young girls involved.
Currently employed at the Workabout Centre, Natasha is extremely passionate about Aboriginal education and providing opportunities for young people in the community, and will do any job, no matter how big or small.
She is known for being a trusted voice of advice for anyone who needs it and a huge support to any program she is involved with.
Natasha accepted the award at Netball SA’s Awards Gala on Friday, September 29.
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.
