Clubs like the North West Volleyball Association (NWVA) are grateful for the support and hours individuals contribute to see sport and players thrive. In 2021, the North West Volleyball Club recognised the work of Michael Homes dedicating an award for sportsmanship in his name.

National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering and will be held on May 16-22, 2022. This year’s theme is Better Together. Volunteering brings people together; it builds communities and creates a better society for everyone.

Michael Homes started playing Volleyball in Whyalla at Stuart High School in 1976. He has a long history of representative volleyball, selected for the South Australian State U17 team in 1978 (Australian Championship played in Bundaberg Qld) and 1979 (Australian Championship played in Warrnambool Vic).

He also played for SA in the first Secondary School Boys U19 Australian Championship held in Sydney, played for Whyalla club team Spikes and the Whyalla representative team in State country championships from 1978 to 1983.

Michael moved to Victoria in 1983 where he played and coached the Latrobe Valley representative team. This included playing in the State League competition. He coached and played in one of the first televised Volleyball championships called the “Lighting Spike” which was played and broadcast from Bendigo.

He played and coached in the Moe Volleyball competition, Churchill Volleyball competition and the Morwell Volleyball competition from 1983 to 1991.

Following his time in Victoria he returned to Adelaide in 1991 and played and coached at the Henley Hawks Volleyball club.

In 2012 Michael moved to Karratha, his experience contributing to the incredible growth in numbers and skills in the local volleyball community. He continued to play the game, competing at the Australian and World Masters Games, coached and prepared teams to compete at the WA State Volleyball Championships.

Club President, Chris Cowan said ”Michael has been a mentor, coach, and all-round enthusiast for all things volleyball since his arrival to Karratha. He has always made himself available whenever required, be it as a committee member, coach, trainer, rules interpreter. Without Michael’s support, I doubt that the NWVA would still exist today.”

Volleyball WA would like to recognise Michael for his outstanding contribution to Volleyball and the award named in his honour. We would also like to thank the countless other volunteers that support our organisation to deliver our sport.

For more information on Volleyball visit www.volleyballwa.com.au.