By Nick Creely
Beloved Pakenham Netball Club president Marg Jones is a pure marvel in the local community.
Immensely dedicated to her club, league and community, Marg’s unwavering support for those around her does not go unnoticed.
Helping steer her netball family through the tough times of 2020, alongside her committee, Marg is the embodiment of what makes community sport – and its powerful impact – such a mighty tool for people from all walks of life.
She’s been a smiling, warm and encouraging face through truly trying times.
Last week, Marg was named a finalist in the Vicsport Awards 2020 Volunteer of the Year category, for her remarkable dedication alongside her committee and coaches to helping the club’s netballers through a difficult 2020, and for her inspiring work in general in shining the light on local sport.
She is just one of four volunteers in the entire state to be recognised for their service to sport.
It follows Marg’s recognition last year as Netball Victoria’s Volunteer of the Year award for 2020.
“I’m just little old, ordinary Marg Jones from Pakky trying to make a difference, that’s all,” she said about her nomination.
“I’m a little bit overwhelmed to be quite honest, I’m humbled when I look at all the nominees.
“It’s about the team, it’s about the amazing people we have, and it’s about community sport. We’re just trying to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Marg said that despite being recognised for her astonishing work last year, she was dedicated to continuing on the committee’s quest of welcoming and nurturing the community, and encouraging them to give sport a go.
“I did say to them when I was nominated, ‘are you sure?’, I just feel humbled, I’m just one person in a team – I’m just Marg Jones trying to make a difference,” she said.
“I knew last year we had to dig deep to make a difference, it was a really challenging year, and it’s still challenging.
“I know people are really struggling post-Covid with challenges, so I can’t wait for the season to start and show them just how much community sport makes a difference.”
Marg said that the entire club and community simply can’t wait to get back to sport, believing that after missing out last year, there was a gaping hole ready to be filled.
“There is sheer excitement – the joy on people’s places is exciting because they get to play the game they love,” she said.
“I read an article on Belgrave (in the 14 April edition of the Gazette) – I loved that, we took sport for granted and being all together, and when that was taken away you realise how special it is.
“We’ve had our challenges, and I know a lot of clubs are battling with volunteers, trying to get coaches and players in, but we’ve got to start again by all working together.
“I believe that when people see that we start playing it’ll be okay – at our club, it’s just pure joy.
“We had a team bonding night last Thursday, and to see the laughter, and the joy and the young kids who have never played get excited was amazing.
“Our A Grade captain Emma Jones started in Under 13s and has been with us since, and to see her joy at wanting to get back out there, it brings joy to me.”
She said that her Pakenham netball family, and the unwavering support around her makes her job easy.
“I love doing what I do, I’m so blessed – we’ve got an amazing committee, amazing coaches and families that are so supportive,” she said.
“I really am blessed to be president of this amazing bunch of human beings, and together we work through everything.
“I can’t talk highly enough of Aaron Bailey (Outer East regional manager), and the leadership he shows – I’m working with the Women Advisory Group, and I’m just so blessed, I really am.
“And I work full-time, I’ve got incredibly supportive bosses that allow me to do what I do.
“I feel very humbled. It’s all really surreal. We’re just doing what we do.”
Vicsport, when announcing Marg’s nomination, couldn’t have higher praise for the beloved figure and her dedication to her club and community.
“As president, Marg was a driving force behind maintaining positive wellbeing amongst the athletes and support staff of the Pakenham Lions Netball Club during the Covid-19 pandemic,” Vicsport said of Marg.
“Working with a supportive league, AFL Outer East and Netball Victoria, together with her dedicated committee members and coaches, players were empowered to stay connected with Marg’s priority being their mental health.
“Balancing full-time work and caring for her family, Marg personally contacted every player, coach, committee member and sponsor of the 25 teams within the football netball club and local indoor competition to check on their wellbeing while also posting daily updates on Facebook, checking in via emails and providing informational webinars.
“Not missing anyone’s birthday during this time, Marg also organised weekly Zoom sessions focusing on strength and conditioning, yoga, team chats and committee meetings.”
Marg reiterated that her recognition wasn’t about her, but about the thousands and thousands of volunteers all across the state that put in so much hard work and dedication to making community sport such an integral part of life.
“I’m just one of many volunteers that do what we do,” she said.
“It’s all for the love of the game, and we simply are blessed to be able to do it.
“I’m a great believer in participation, and being part of it, and results will come.”
While Marg may be one of many wonderful volunteers, she’s a marvel, and the local community is truly blessed to have her.
