Netball will be proudly represented at the 2025 NSW Community Sports Awards, with three outstanding finalists acknowledged for their exceptional service and impact: Wendy Archer AM, young umpire Mia Smit, and the Ku-ring-gai Netball Association. Together, they reflect the strength, diversity, and leadership that continue to drive netball forward in communities across New South Wales.
Wendy Archer AM – Distinguished Long Service Honour
Wendy Archer AM will receive the prestigious Distinguished Long Service Honour in recognition of more than 25 years of transformative service to netball in New South Wales and across Australia. Her legacy spans officiating, governance, strategic planning, and infrastructure development—impacting all levels of the game from grassroots to elite.
As a National “A” Badged Umpire and long-time member of the Netball NSW Badging Panel, Wendy helped uphold the highest standards of officiating across the state. Her governance journey began with her appointment to the Netball NSW Board in 1999, and she went on to serve as President from 2004 to 2018—overseeing a period of unprecedented progress. Her leadership was instrumental in modernising Netball NSW’s governance, and in securing the development of Netball Central, the state’s world-class headquarters for the sport.
Wendy continues to contribute through her roles as Chair of the Netball NSW Recognition Reference Panel and Director on the Netball Australia Board. Her commitment to equity, opportunity, and leadership development has shaped the sport’s future and inspired countless players, officials, and administrators.
Mia Smit – Finalist, RevolutioniseSPORT Young Official of the Year
Central Coast umpire Mia Smit is a finalist for RevolutioniseSPORT Young Official of the Year, recognised for her rapid rise through the officiating ranks and her outstanding contributions to community and representative netball.
Mia regularly officiates junior and interclub fixtures with Gosford Netball Club, where her calm presence, professionalism, and strong rule knowledge have earned her the respect of players, coaches, and peers. In 2024, she reached a significant milestone when selected to officiate at the School Sport Australia Under 12s National Championships and later, the Under 15 Nationals. She has also been selected to umpire in the 2025 Metro League Competition, reflecting her potential at elite levels.
Beyond her on-court performance, Mia is a committed leader in her netball community. She volunteers to mentor junior umpires, contributes to club events, and creates a supportive environment for all participants. Her achievements include receiving the Australian Olympic Change-Maker Award and completing the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award through her netball involvement—clear recognition of her leadership, passion, and dedication.
Ku-ring-gai Netball Association – Finalist, NSW Communities and Justice Community Club of the Year
The Ku-ring-gai Netball Association (KNA) has been named a finalist for Community Club of the Year, celebrating its outstanding performance, inclusive programs, and forward-thinking leadership in 2024.
KNA made history this year as the only association in New South Wales to field teams in every division of the Netball NSW State Titles—including female, male, boys, and All Abilities competitions. This achievement reflects their deep commitment to athlete development, equity, and opportunity across all age groups and genders.
KNA’s game-day experience has been reimagined to energise participation, with DJs, music, Super Shot games, and market stalls creating a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. Their competition offerings have expanded to include mid-week Fast5 and Walking Netball, broadening access for casual, mixed-gender, and older participants. The association also leads the largest All Abilities netball program in the state, providing meaningful opportunities for athletes with disability.
Volunteers are the backbone of KNA’s success, and the association has taken innovative steps to support and retain them—participating in the Australian Sports Commission’s Game Plan Program to improve organisational sustainability. Their approach to inclusive participation, community building, and revenue diversification has established KNA as a leader in grassroots sport management.
Sport NSW CEO, Stuart Hodge, said the finalists reflect the relentless strength, passion, and diversity of community sport throughout the state.
“Community sport is the heartbeat of so many towns and suburbs in NSW, and these finalists represent the very best of our sporting community. Their dedication ensures thousands of people enjoy safe, inclusive, diverse and rewarding sport experiences every week,” said Mr Hodge.
“This immense contribution is overwhelmingly conducted by energetic volunteers, and we thank them all for their unflagging commitment to ensure sport is played and enjoyed every week. They provide the backbone to Australian sport as participants move through the many exciting stages of their sporting journey."
These three incredible finalists—Wendy Archer AM, Mia Smit, and Ku-ring-gai Netball Association—showcase the outstanding leadership, talent, and community spirit that make our netball community so special.
They’ll be recognised at the 2025 NSW Community Sports Awards.
View the complete list of 2025 NSW Community Sports Awards finalists HERE
View Distinguished Long Service Honourees HERE
