The Northern Football Netball League is delighted to unveil the Delwyn Berry Award, in honour of longstanding netball administrator Delwyn Berry.
Berry has dedicated over 26 years to community sport as a passionate administrator and volunteer, earning widespread recognition for her outstanding service to the northern suburbs of Melbourne.
Beginning as secretary of the Lalor Stars Junior Football Club (1992–1998) and later serving eight years at Mernda Football Netball Club, Delwyn’s leadership extended into professional sport administration when she joined the Diamond Valley Football League (now the Northern Football Netball League) full-time in 2006.
Her work was pivotal in addressing a clear gap in women’s sport in the region and Berry was eventually tasked with formally managing the NFNL’s netball competition, which grew from nine teams in 2008 to over 150 by 2024.
Starting with just seven netball clubs, there is now 35 affiliated clubs and the NFNL netball competition has become one of the largest in Victoria – in no small part thanks to Delwyn’s tireless work in the early years to encourage female participation and involvement.
NFNL General Manager of Netball Operations Lauren Theodosis said the award was lasting recognition of Berry’s trailblazing as a netball administrator.
“Delwyn’s legacy lies not only in the numbers but in the inclusive, sustainable, and community-driven culture she helped build within the NFNL,” she said.
“Our competitions certainly wouldn’t look like what they do today across junior and senior netball if not for the countless hours Delwyn has invested into participation and growth of players, volunteers and clubs.”
NFNL CEO Daniel Kelly said the award was a terrific way to honour Berry’s contribution to netball in the northern suburbs.
“On the back of the league naming the netball best and fairest in Stacey Gannon’s name, it’s terrific that we are again in a position to honour Delwyn’s legacy, someone who has given so much to community sport,” he said.
“On behalf of the NFNL I’d like to congratulate Delwyn and thank her for allowing us to mint this new award in her honour. We all hope that she stays connected to netball and the NFNL competitions for many more years to come.”
NFNL clubs will be able to nominate individuals who they believe have made exceptional contributions to the netball community over the previous 12 months. The award is intended to honour those who go above and beyond in non-player roles including coaches, administrators, committee members, umpires and mentors, formally acknowledging the spirit and dedication that sustains and grows NFNL netball.
The Delwyn Berry Award will be presented at the NFNL Junior Awards on Wednesday 9th September. Nominations are now open here and will close at 5pm Thursday 3rd September.
