Deserved honour for volunteers

Two South West netball volunteers have been recognised by Netball WA for their outstanding service to the sport.

Teresa Halligan was recognised after receiving the 2018 umpire achievement award while Trish Welsh won the 2018 volunteer of the year award.

Halligan, who has become an indispensable umpire coaching identity throughout the region always maintains a solid level of professionalism — irrespective of who she is dealing with.

Leschenault Netball Association administrator Tricia Scaffidi is one of several local officials who have commended Halligan’s imprint on netball.

“Teresa has consistently and quickly provided answers and advice via an on-call basis for all of those tricky situations that can occur at association level,” she said. “She has provided a lot of positive advice to our umpires — along with the LNA in terms of the progression of our umpires and the high standards during carnivals.”

Halligan saidshe found her time umpiring as “character building” and it was an ideal way to maintain a solid level of fitness.

“There is a social aspect and it becomes an outlet for you,” she said.

“It’s also a good opportunity to see all of the young kids coming through.”

Welsh has been involved across several pillars of local netball as a co-ordinator, registrar and administrator — along with a stint as president of the Bunbury Netball Association.

But for her, it is all about the friendships and embracing of different cultures across all roles which has fuelled her passion the most.

“If it wasn’t for the friendships I don’t think I would have been doing it for so long,” she said.

“That’s half of it — belonging — and meeting all different types of people from different cultures.

”You also learn about those different cultures and also respect.”

Welsh believes volunteering in netball can feel empowering and encouraged those who may be interested to have a go.

All SWNFL clubs are in the process of gearing up for pre-season training, with all clubs on the lookout for volunteers across both training sessions and on game day.