Netball NSW is delighted to announce that long-standing servant of the game Ronda Kimble OAM has been awarded Life Membership of the organisation.
A dedicated and passionate pioneer, who advanced through the ranks to become an All-Australian umpire, Kimble has been involved in netball for nearly fifty years as a player, coach, umpire, administrator and archivist.
A proud Member of the Parramatta Auburn Netball Association, of which she was made a Life Member in 1979, Kimble has previously been honoured with a host of other acknowledgements such as the Order of Australia Medal (2008), the NSW Community Sports Distinguished Long Service Award (2020), the NNSW Waratah Service Award (2018) and the Australian Sports Medal (2000).
All of those were awarded as a result of her exceptional and tireless efforts to advance the reach and positive impact of netball.
A skilled and passionate umpire, Kimble has always been passionate about teaching the techniques of top officiating too, and has a fine track record of mentoring in her repertoire.
She not only excelled on the court in her time in netball, but is also a widely respected administrator. To this day she still keeps the Netball NSW Archives in top order.
From 1980 to 2007 she was a key part of the Netball Australia team. Working in various roles, this covered a period of tremendous change and growth for the sport, including hosting the 1991 World Championships (Sydney), the increase in regular international Test matches and the establishment of a national league competition.
In later years Kimble recognised the importance of documenting the history of the sport for future generations of Australians and she took on the role of Archivist and single-handedly managed to grow the Netball Australia archive collection.
Netball NSW President Louise Sullivan said Kimble was a very deserving recipient of the Life Membership honour.
“When you look at Ronda’s track record in the sport there are few who have given as much as her, and the fact that she continues to still provide so much today is a testament to her commitment,” Sullivan said.
“I have always been an awe of the knowledge she possesses of not just game, but of its history, heritage and legacy.
“We are nothing without our history and acknowledging where we have come from, and Ronda is a real guardian of that which we will be eternally grateful for.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate her on behalf of the entire organisation and the wider netball community.”
