Across regional NSW, netball is more than just a game. It’s where communities come together, friendships are formed and young athletes are given opportunities to grow. At the heart of it all are volunteers, the people who dedicate countless hours behind the scenes to keep the game running.
For National Volunteer Week, we celebrate people like Carmel Lemon from Tumut Netball Association, whose passion for regional netball continues to make a lasting impact on her community.
Carmel has also been involved as a Development Officer with Netball NSW for more than 30 years, giving her a unique perspective on the game and the pathways it creates.
Over that time, she has seen generations of players progress through the system, including athletes such as NSW Swift Grace Whyte, who has emerged from Tumut Netball Association and into the elite level of the sport.
That passion for advocacy and community is what has made Carmel such a valued and respected volunteer within the game.
Like so many volunteers across the state, her work often happens quietly behind the scenes - supporting players, organising competitions, mentoring participants and helping create opportunities for others to enjoy netball in a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.
Carmel's dedication to country netball is driven by a strong desire to ensure regional communities are recognised and represented.
That passion for advocacy and community is what has made Carmel such a valued volunteer within the game.
For Carmel, volunteering has always been about giving back to the community and helping regional netball continue to thrive.
“You do it because you love it and you love seeing the kids enjoy themselves,” she said.
“Out here in regional NSW, if we don’t speak up and support it, no one else will, and it’s all about the kids and the community coming together.”
Regional associations rely heavily on volunteers, with people like Carmel playing an important role in creating welcoming and supportive environments for players, families and officials alike.
This National Volunteer Week, we thank Carmel and every volunteer across NSW whose passion, care and commitment continue to keep netball strong in communities right across the state.
