Norma Stead’s devotion to the game of tennis continues to be recognised. Earlier this year she received an Order of Australia Medal for services to tennis, and last night she was awarded the prestigious Jim O’Neill Award for services to tennis by Tennis NSW.

The recipient of the annual service to tennis award is chosen by the Tennis NSW Board of Directors. It is named in honour of former Tennis NSW Director Jim O’Neill who was a long time state and local tennis administrator, a committed volunteer to tennis and the loving husband of retired professional player Jan Lehane O’Neill OAM.

"On behalf of Tennis NSW I would like to congratulate Norma on this deserving recognition for her service to tennis in New South Wales,” says the CEO of Tennis NSW, Lawrence Robertson.

“Norma's devotion to our sport is inspiring on so many levels, with an extensive list of achievements over the years both on and off the court.

“I would like to thank Norma for her ongoing passion and involvement in the sport, particularly with Kiama Tennis Club and Kiama and Shellharbour District Tennis Association."

Very much the matriarch of Kiama Tennis Club, it was only four years ago that Norma stood down as Kiama Tennis Club’s Treasurer, a role she occupied for 50 years. She still enjoys the title of the official caretaker, although others help out now.

“I don’t think they would know what to do without me,” she says with a laugh.

The courts at Noorinan St

With her parents meeting at a tennis club, 96 year old Norma Stead says she’s been involved with tennis all her life.

She coached generations of kids, originally at the courts in Hindmarsh Park and then at Noorinan St, introducing them to her dearly loved game.

“I’ve got kids I taught coming back to the club with their own kids and even grandkids,” she says.

Norma is yet to presented with her OAM, as COVID has interrupted the normal presentation schedule.

“From our perspective, Norma has been the biggest influence on tennis in the Kiama region for 60 years,” says the President of the local club, David Lehman.

“She more than deserves every award that comes to her for all those years of hard work and dedication she has put into tennis.”