Justin and Kylie Rea’s contribution to Campbelltown District Netball Association have helped shape one of the strongest netball communities in all of NSW.
But now what began in 2005 as two parents supporting their daughters’ involvement in netball has culminated in state recognition for the Reas.
At the 2026 Netball NSW state dinner and awards night on the weekend, Justin Rea received the Anne Clark BEM service award, while Kylie Rea received both the Dot McHugh OAM administrator of the year award and the Judy Dunbar media award – community media excellence.
This recognition follows the pair’s more than 20 years of involvement in netball and almost two decades of service on the executive of Campbelltown District Netball Association.
“One thing leads to another and before you know it, you’re starting to get involved not just at club level but also at association level,” Justin Rea said.
Over the years, both have become central figures within the Campbelltown netball community.
Justin Rea currently serves as association president after previously holding the role of treasurer, while Kylie Rea has become one of the association’s most influential administrators.
For Justin Rea, the recognition is about far more than individual honours.
“It’s not just about individual achievements or recognition,” he said.
“It’s about the journey that you go on over the years.”
That journey has seen the pair contribute countless volunteer hours while helping create opportunities for generations of players, coaches, officials and volunteers.
“For us, it’s very rewarding,” Justin Rea said.
“When you see kids arrive at the court for their first game, watch them grow in confidence, and then seeing some of those kids come back and give back their time in future years by coaching or managing at association level and at club level, that’s really special.”
The couple’s contribution has coincided with significant growth and development across the association, including the continued strengthening of community partnerships and facilities.
“What I’m most proud of is the team of executive members that we’ve built,” Justin Rea said.
“We have a great team of executive members, and they’ve formed a really good bond not just with members of our association, but our community as a whole.”
While both have played significant roles in the association’s success, Justin Rea was quick to highlight the contribution his wife has made to the organisation.
“Kylie’s contribution has been huge,” he said.
In addition to serving as association treasurer, Kylie Rea oversees a wide range of responsibilities across the association, including financial management, communications, website administration, social media, representative programs and club operations.
“Everybody loves Kylie,” Justin Rea said.
“If people just want to have a chat, they come to Kylie. If they have a problem they want to work through, they come to Kylie.”
Alongside her administrative responsibilities, Kylie Rea has also coached and managed representative teams, continuing to support athlete development across the association.
“The association wouldn’t be what it is today without Kylie’s contribution and we’re extremely grateful,” Justin Rea said.
Netball NSW executive general manager for strategy and stakeholders Tim Fava said the recognition was a fitting tribute to the impact both Justin and Kylie have had on netball in Campbelltown and across NSW.
“Justin and Kylie are a great representation of the association presidents and community leaders across NSW who give so much to strengthen our game and their communities. For more than 20 years, they have dedicated their time, energy and leadership to Campbelltown, creating opportunities for players, coaches, officials and volunteers,” Fava said.
“Their impact extends well beyond the day-to-day running of the association. They have helped build the people, facilities and partnerships needed to successfully host state titles, welcome thousands of visitors from across NSW and strengthen relationships with Campbelltown City Council and the broader community.
“Justin and Kylie are terrific people who genuinely care about netball and their community. These honours are incredibly well deserved, and I’m pleased to see their contribution recognised and celebrated.”
