Netball NSW celebrates excellence at 2025 Awards Night

It was a night of glamour, pride, and celebration as the Netball NSW Awards Night brought together the state’s brightest stars and most dedicated contributors to recognise another outstanding year for netball in New South Wales.

From grassroots heroes to elite champions, the Netball NSW “night of nights” recognised the incredible achievements, resilience and dedication of the people who make the game thrive. Players, coaches, officials, volunteers and administrators from across the state joined special guests including The Hon. Steve Kamper MP, NSW Minister for Sport, and The Hon. David Harris MP, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, in celebrating excellence both on and off the court. 

Minister Kamper presented the prestigious Community Excellence Award to Ballina Netball Association, recognising the Association’s outstanding contribution to its local community and commitment to inclusivity, participation and connection through sport. 

The event also honoured Carole Sykes OAM, who was elevated to Legend Status in the Netball NSW Hall of Fame – the organisation’s highest accolade – in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to the sport in New South Wales. 

Tributes were paid to Margaret Corbett OAM, a Netball NSW Hall of Fame Legend and Life Member, whose passing earlier this year was marked by the display of her iconic Golden Boots as a symbol of her enduring legacy. 

Suncorp Super Netball stars Erin O’Brien (GIANTS Netball) and Paige Hadley (NSW Swifts) were among the high-profile attendees, with both receiving the coveted Marilyn Melhuish OAM Medal – Suncorp Super Netball Player of the Year for their exceptional performance and leadership throughout the 2025 season. 

Netball NSW Chair Sallianne Faulkner and CEO Tracey Scott joined Board Directors, Life Members and valued partners to celebrate the achievements of 2025, a year that saw record participation, strong community engagement, and success on and off the court. 

“Twelve months go very quickly in netball, and it’s hard to believe we’re here in Bankstown again celebrating another incredible year for our game in New South Wales,” Ms Faulkner said. 

“In 2025, we’ve seen record-breaking results across every level of the sport — from nearly 400,000 fans attending Suncorp Super Netball matches, to 7,320 athletes competing at our Junior and Senior State Titles, and record participation in our DOOLEYS Metro League and Netball NSW Premier League’s 10th anniversary season. 

“Our NSW 19U and First Nations Team, the Waradas, both claimed national gold, while our Marie Little Shield team continued their dominance. We’re also immensely proud of the 14 NSW athletes nationally identified and the six selected in the Australian 21U Squad, including three Youth World Cup gold medallists. 

“On the back of record participation and strong community engagement, Netball NSW — and the people who make it what it is — have continued to thrive. As ever, robust debate, shared ideas and a collective drive for excellence remain at the heart of our growth.” 

These achievements formed the backdrop to a night that honoured the individuals, teams and associations who have shaped another remarkable year for netball in New South Wales. 

“This evening is about recognising and celebrating the collective achievements of our players, coaches, officials, volunteers and administrators who make netball the leading sport for women and girls in our state,” Tracey Scott, CEO of Netball NSW said.  

“We are incredibly proud of the strength of our community, the depth of our talent pathways, and the dedication of everyone who contributes to the ongoing success of our sport.” 

As the curtain comes down on another successful year, the 2025 Netball NSW Awards Night reflected the enduring passion, unity and spirit that continue to define netball in New South Wales — setting the stage for another exciting year ahead in 2026. 

2025 Netball NSW Award Winners  

 Frances Cordaro, Netball NSW