Natalie Jordan was selected as the Hastings Physiotherapy Sporting Volunteer of the Year for 2017 for her services to Port Combined Netball Club and Hastings Valley Netball and for the past sixteen years. Natalie’s commitment grew from the support her parents showed while she and her brothers were growing up and it’s been one that she has continued for her family.

“I love having an impact. I love watching the kids come to grow and love the sport that I do,” says Jordan.

“It’s about the people you meet and the community you’re involved with. My children also like having me involved, although they don’t know any other way as it’s been something I was doing long before I had kids.”

With nominations closing at midnight on September 30, the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise are encouraging every sports-minded family or club to jump online and nominate their teams, individuals and especially recognise those volunteers whose efforts mean their sport happens each season.

“Life gets so busy but it would be such a shame for those sportspersons or volunteers deserving of recognition to be missed or overlooked,” says Rotary Sunrise president, Malcolm McNeil.

“Our online form is designed to quickly capture some key points and the essential contact details in less than five minutes.

“With $7,000 in prizes donated by local businesses and awarded to local athletes, the recognition and prize money goes a little way to help them achieve their sporting dreams, and that is our aim with these awards,” says McNeil.

Nominations need to be made online at sunrise-rotary.org.au/sportsawards and there are eight highly sought after categories and a link to apply for the Wayne Richards Sporting Scholarship.

For long-time netball volunteer, Natalie Jordan, her vision for the sport would be to see a combined junior and senior competition on Saturdays, which occurs successfully in other parts of NSW.

“But most of all I just want netball to be a safe, inclusive environment for all the people who choose to be part of it from players to officials, committee and spectators,” says Jordan.

“When I won the Volunteer Award I was obviously happy to have my efforts recognised, but I was really happy to have our sport in the limelight as we took out two other major categories.

“But winning is not why you put your hand up to help and I know there’s plenty of people out there volunteering their time for whatever cause they’re passionate about.”

The Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise and the Mayor’s Sporting Fund have again joined forces in 2018 to deliver the ultimate Port Macquarie Hastings Sports Awards presentation ceremony.

Over $7,000 in prizes will be awarded to local athletes to help them achieve their sporting dreams.

Nominations are made online at sunrise-rotary.org.au/sportsawards with the nomination period covering all sporting activity and achievements from 1 October 2017 to 30 September 2018.