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Carol Murphy Richly Deserves Her Honour

By Lawrence Machado

Carol Murphy was stunned to receive an OAM on Australia Day for services to netball, an accolade all the more remarkable because of her late start in the sport.

The mother of two and grandmother of five played many leading roles for Netball NSW, Baulkham Hills Netball Association (BHNA) and the Impalas, and has many honours. Yet, the Greenacre-born and proud Hills resident still supports netball with the same passion as when she started.

“We never volunteer for reward or accolade, but when it does come, it fills your heart with joy to know others have noticed what you do,” Carol, 68, said. “My husband Paul organised a BBQ lunch at our son’s place, so I was able to spend the day with those closest to me; those who supported and encouraged me in netball over the years. Family, fun, food, and a glass of champagne!”

Adding to the joy, Carol and Paul celebrate their golden jubilee this Saturday (February 12).

Carol began playing after a group of tennis mates watched their daughters play netball. “We decided to get a team for the night competition in 1986, and I played for the next 25 years,” Carol recalled.

She counts the Life Membership of Netball NSW (March 2021) as the highlight of her career. “I am the first person from BHNA to receive this award, so that was very special; it meant I had Life Membership of my club, my association, and my state body. I treasure those awards.”

Amazingly, Carol and her daughter played together. Carol remembers how tight the association’s finances were: “Not everyone realises the netball members developed Wellgate Avenue site with only small assistance from state and local government and BHNA became a Company Limited by Guarantee to enable us to borrow funds. BHNA has invested about $10 million in the site.”

“When I started playing, BHNA used three or four locations before the amazing people involved in the late 1980s decided to develop their own site.”

Carol is enjoying her role as Operations Manager with GWS Fury after managing their U23’s team.

She was delighted fellow Hills netballer, former Australian captain Catherine Cox, 45, received the AM for her services to netball. “Cath is an amazing netball representative and her achievements in the national leagues and representing her country are outstanding,” Carol said. “Cath coached for her home association, Hills District, for a number of years.”

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