The Awards shine a light on individuals, clubs and associations who go above and beyond to ensure everyone, regardless of background, skill or ability is welcome in netball.

Australia Post General Manager of Marketing and Community, Andrea Pearman, said the Australia Post One Netball Community Awards reveal the unsung heroes contributing to more inclusive communities.

“We believe welcoming and inclusive sporting environments improve attitudes and behaviours towards people from different backgrounds, building empathy and understanding. Through the Awards we’re excited to celebrate those who open their netball club doors, welcome new faces and use the power of sport to help communities work better for everyone.

“Diversity and inclusion come in many forms and our previous winners have been recognised for supporting the engagement of LGBTIQ communities, multicultural and Indigenous Australians, socio-economically disadvantaged communities, people with disabilities and rural and regional communities. We have no doubt that this year the nominations will be as equally inspiring.”

Caitlin Thwaites, Collingwood Magpies and Australian Diamonds netball player, and Australia Post One Netball Ambassador, said the network of individuals, clubs and associations creating inclusive netball environments is growing every year.

“As an Australia Post One Netball Ambassador, the most rewarding part of the program is being able to spend time with the incredible individuals that make up the amazing group of One Netball Community Award winners,”said Thwaites.

“I feel incredibly privileged to meet people from towns and cities across Australia doing such extraordinary things to break down barriers in the community through netball, which really goes back to the grassroots level of what I love about the sport. It’s truly inspirational to have such amazing people in our clubs and associations and to have them recognised through these Awards spreads the goodwill and encourages others to get involved.”

Netball Australia CEO, Marne Fechner, said the Australia Post One Netball Community Awards recognise those in our netball communities who are making a genuine difference.

“Sporting clubs are the beating heart of the community and a great way to bring people together, breaking down barriers to open the door to people regardless of race, religion or gender.

“It’s great that netball can make such an important contribution to local communities around Australia,” Fechner said.

Nominations for the Australia Post One Netball Community Awards are now open at onenetball.org.au and close at midnight (AEST) on Sunday 29 July 2018. Up to eight winners will be selected by an independent judging panel and announced on Thursday 16 August 2018.

About One Netball

Australia Post is the Community and Social Inclusion Partner of Netball Australia, and together they have partnered to deliver the Australia Post One Netball Program (One Netball) since 2014. The program aims to engage Australia’s increasingly diverse communities through the sport of netball with the message that everyone, regardless of background or ability, is welcome.