Honoured for her work in creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment through the game of netball, Townsend has been instrumental in the creation of a netball program to provide opportunities for 40 young girls in the small central west town.

Now in its third year, the Australia Post One Netball Community Awards celebrate individuals, clubs and associations in local communities who go above and beyond to ensure everyone, regardless of background, skill or ability, is welcome in netball.

Australia Post One Netball Ambassador, Melbourne Vixens player and Awards judge, Geva Mentor, said she was very impressed with the standard and quality of nominations all round. 

“It’s always so inspiring to hear new stories of individuals, clubs and associations who go out of their way to ensure that netball is for everyone. It’s encouraging to see that there are many inclusion champions out there who harness the power of netball to bring people together, regardless of their background or ability,” Mentor said.

As part of the prize Mandy will receive a visit from an Australia Post One Netball Ambassador to her club, a $500 Australia Post Load and Go Visa Prepaid Gift Card for personal use, a $1,000 Australia Post Load and Go Visa Prepaid Gift Card for her netball club and a netball signed by the 2016 Australian Diamonds team.

Other winners of the 2016 Australia Post One Netball Community Awards include Tuggeranong Netball Association, Erindale, ACT (Association Award), Karen Taylor, Merimbula, NSW (Individual Award), Mariella Teuira, Glenroy, VIC (Individual Award), Arncliffe Scots Netball Club, Arncliffe, NSW (Club Award), Christine Glenne, Andrews Farm, SA (Individual Award), Cairns Netball Association and Manunda, QLD (Association Award) and Adelaide Metro Netball Division, Mile End South, SA (Association Award).