Another GIANT has added an exceptional off-court achievement to their name, with inaugural GIANT Sam Poolman named the Young Citizen of the Year by the City of Newcastle.
The City of Newcastle’s Young Citizen of the Year title recognises the outstanding contributions made by young citizens to community life, which may bring regional, national or international recognition to the Newcastle area.
In determination of Poolman’s nomination and recognition, the Award Panel considered her significant contributions to women and girls in sport in representing Newcastle as a professional netballer for GIANTS Netball at the sport’s most elite level.
Also of note was her recent fundraising efforts to support bushfire-affected communities, raising $12,000 for charity through Netball Australia’s Bushfire Relief and her continued role as ambassador for the Confident Girls Foundation, which works to inspire and empower a new generation of young netballers.
Poolman said she was extremely proud to receive the award.
“There are plenty of incredible Novocastrians doing great things for our city, so to be to nominated and even considered for an award like this is extremely special,” she said.
“I am passionate about my hometown and giving back to a community that has given so much to me.
“I have followed the likes of Mark Hughes (2018 Citizen of the Year) and Kurt Fernley OAM (2015 Citizen of the Year) throughout their sporting careers, as well as the incredible work they do for our community. To follow, in a small way, in their footsteps and receive similar recognition is very special.”
The 2021 Young Citizen of the Year said her community work is her way of giving back.
“I love seeing the positive impact that I can make on aspiring netballers and my region,” she said.
“To see them achieving their dreams, but also bring together netball communities, is important to me.”
Poolman is not only a proud GIANT and netballer, but a proud Novacastrian.
“I love our beautiful city,” she said.
“It’s where l grew up; where my family still is and where some of the many great people that have had a huge impact on my life live.
“Newcastle is a passionate sporting town; and with Newcastle Netball Association right in the heart of Newcastle, you’ll find every young female playing netball there on a Saturday.”
Poolman attended a ceremony on Wednesday, where she received her award from Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.
GIANTS Netball congratulates Sam and all other recipients at the award ceremony.
