PORT Stephens Netball Association has been recognised for its outstanding service to the sport in NSW.
The association picked up two major gongs at last Saturday’s Netball NSW State Awards Dinner at Bicentennial Park – a Community Excellence Award, plus a distinguished Anne Clark BEM Service Award for stalwart vice president Susan Xenos.
It is a huge honour for the heralded association. It’s been established in the region for nearly 50 years since forming as a social competition in 1978 under the banner of Raymond Terrace Netball Club.
The Anne Clark Service Award is presented to individuals in recognition of their significant contribution to the development of netball at association level.
For Xenos, the award is a deserved accolade for her 30 years of service to the Port Stephens association as a player, official, and administrator.
A skilful midcourter with Medowie Netball Club, she has spent the past two decades on the Port Stephens executive committee.
Her dedication, leadership and commitment have made a lasting impact on the game. She was one of five recipients of the award that is named after Anne Clark BEM, whose name is synonymous with netball in NSW.
Clark was awarded her All-Australia Umpires badge in 1931 and umpired at international tournaments from 1938 to 1975. Other notable credits in her career with netball in NSW include selection as Netball NSW President from 1950 to 1978 and Life Membership in 1968.
In recognition of her services to netball, Clark was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1975 and was an inaugural inductee into the Netball NSW Hall of Fame.
Successful Medowie and Port Stephens representative mentor Emma Penfold was a finalist in the Margaret Corbett OAM Coach of the Year category, won by Inner West stalwart Therri Ellison.
Port Stephens Netball Association president Jodi Cassar told News Of The Area that the achievements of her members reflected the passion and commitment of the entire netball community.
“Susan’s service award was fitting, and our Community Excellence Award was about creating opportunities, building connections and providing a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can belong.”
By Chris KARAS
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