Unsung Heroes: Graham Jones is developing sport for future generations

Chances are, if you play or have played netball in the South West, you’ll know the name Graham Jones. Actually, if you’ve played netball in any capacity across the State you’ll likely know the name — and it’s with good reason, the man is an absolute legend. The passionate physical education teacher turned netball coach, umpire, committee member and now two-time president of the Bunbury Netball Association is dedicated to giving Bunbury youth an outlet to play, learn and development. Graham has worked tirelessly to create that special space since the 1990s when he first came to Bunbury, joining the Health and Physical Education department at Bunbury Catholic College. Born and raised in Perth, his long-term affinity with the sport began when he was unknowingly roped into supervision duty during his time spent teaching in Kalgoorlie at the age of 23. “Netball was just one of those things that came to pass because I was at a footy game one morning for school and one of the girls who was related to one of the players, I asked if I could come and be the supervising adult at netball that afternoon,” he explained. “I said ‘yeah sure’ thinking I’d just fill in until we found someone to do it ongoing. “When I got there, word had got around, and there were three or four teams worth of children there. . . soon enough I was signing off on teams, helping with umpiring and everything and it just grew so quickly.” After 12 years in the Goldfields, Graham and his family relocated to the South West when his children started high school, it didn’t take long for him to sink his teeth into the sporting community. “I’ve been on a few committees around the region. . . depending on what was required, it’s a bit old school, but I just get involved in everything and help where it’s needed otherwise people miss out,” he said. His journey in the South West sporting scene began as a coach at the Bunbury Basketball Association before he later joined the Bunbury Netball Association as a committee member, later taking on presidency which soon evolved into South West regional presidency. Meanwhile, he also spent time coaching teams at various local clubs including South Bunbury, Carey Park and Eaton, as well as the Souwest Jets at which he served on the committee before taking on regional operations. In 2004, he kickstarted the Marist Netball club through his role at Bunbury Catholic College as a means to initiate a representative teams program through the school. The club quickly grew in popularity, becoming a community club in 2015, which still operates today. Outside of netball, Graham has also pinched in at the WA Masters Hockey Association since the early 2000s, taking on a uniform and property co-ordinator role in 2006 — one he still holds today. An avid sportsman himself, Graham grew up playing a wide range of sports including cricket, tennis, AFL, hockey and basketball, which he still plays today. But his desire to help others is so much bigger than simply playing, saying everything he does is for the coming generations. “I see the benefit that it was to me, to be involved in sporting teams and clubs and have such fantastic friendships growing up,” he said. “We had such great time, it was so enjoyable. . . it’s why you keep (volunteering), because you get that satisfaction. “It doesn’t matter where or how it started, it’s still going to benefit someone else and a whole new generation of athletes. . . that’s the focus of it.” He said young people have so much to gain for sports, aside of the obvious physical benefits. “It’s one of those things where kids can learn a lot about life, by being involved in sport,” he said. “How to deal with people and situations, resilience, alot of those things we try and teach in school... sport just provides it in spades. “It’s good for them in when it comes to their own lives. . . there’s lots of opportunities to for them to develop and evolve, on and off the field.” And it is evident the wider community sees and appreciates Graham’s unwavering efforts, receiving a Netball WA Service to Sport awards last year, nominated for the 2023 Bunbury Geographe Sports Awards Volunteer Service to Sport award, as well as receiving City of Bunbury mayor Jaysen Miguel’s Community Champion for May 2023. A humble volunteer who does all his work for the pure benefit of others, he hopes his actions will inspire others to give back for future generations, grateful for all the people he has met over the years. “It’s been a great journey, I’ve met thousands of incredible people along the way,” he said. “Kids in sport, that’s been the prime focus for us all... so many people have been very grateful, and certainly supportive. “Hopefully there’ll be somebody else who sees what we’re doing and takes up the opportunity, because we’re not going to be around forever. “People need help, and while I can, that’s my payback for my upbringing to go out and do that.”