NSW netball legend Julie Fitzgerald has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in this year’s Queen’s Birthday honour’s list.
The most capped coach in the history of the National League, the former Swifts and current GIANTS Netball coach has been recognised for her significant and successful contribution to Netball and as mentor to sportswomen.
The appointment is in recognition of her hard-work, service and dedication and celebrates the inspiration and voice that Fitzgerald has within the game.
Netball NSW CEO Carolyn Campbell said Fitzgerald is a worthy recipient of the award.
“Anyone that knows Julie or has had the opportunity to be coached or mentored by her would agree that this is a very fitting honour,” she said.
“She is one of the most passionate and loyal servants to our game.
“Not only has she had a profound influence on the growth of Netball in New South Wales, but she has helped shape the success of the sport across the nation and internationally.
“Julie’s tireless work and commitment within the New South Wales netball community alone has been previously recognised when she was awarded a Netball NSW Life Membership in 2019.
“On behalf of everyone at GIANTS Netball and Netball New South Wales, I congratulate Julie and we look forward to recognising her broad contribution to the game appropriately in the coming months.”
A humbled Fitzgerald said she was quite astounded when she was notified.
“It’s not something you ever really expect to get, but I am certainly very proud and it’s something really nice for the whole family,” she said.
“Being involved in high performance sport means time away from your family, so it’s great to be able to share and celebrate this recognition with them.
“I absolutely love what I do and I can honestly say I love the sport as much now as the first day I started coaching my first team.
“We’ve still got a long way to go, but what women’s sport has achieved in the past few years has been outstanding.”
Since beginning her career at the Ku-ring-gai Netball Association during high school, Fitzgerald has developed a reputation as one of the sports most respected coaches and administrators.
As a five-time premiership winning coach with the Swifts, Fitzgerald spent stints with both the Australian Institute of Sport and Waikato Bay Plenty of Magic before returning to Sydney to lead GIANTS Netball.
Fitzgerald will be recognised at an official ceremony later in the year.
Netball NSW would also like to congratulate Toni Fields (Northern Suburbs), Ellen Monaghan (Newcastle) and Margaret Cliff (Manly Warringah) who were recognised with the Order of Australia Medal (OAM).
