It gives Korfball Australia great pride and pleasure to share that as of today, Roy Kirkby has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to Korfball, as part of the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. The Order of Australia is awarded to “Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement”, and Roy’s efforts since 1978 well and truly match this definition.

Roy established the sport of Korfball in Australia in 1978, founding both the National Association as well as the first State Association. Since that time, Roy has been President of Korfball Australia for well over 20 years, across multiple terms. Roy was instrumental in the growth and development of Korfball on these shores, and on the international level, as KA President and across multiple other roles, both within Korfball Australia and the International Korfball Federation. These achievements have resulted in Roy being appointed a Korfball Australia Life Member, as well as being the longest serving Honorary Life Member of the International Korfball Federation.

Despite stepping down from an Executive role in 2019, Roy has remained an integral part of the Korfball community in Australia. Most recently, as part of his National Technical Director role, Roy has been responsible for the design, development and updating of the current Coaching and Refereeing framework and courses, ensuring full compliance with all regulatory authorities, as well as making the courses accessible for individuals and groups of all sizes.

When asked how he felt about his award receipt, Roy responded in typical fashion, stating, “I see this award as an opportunity to recognise korfball and what others have done and not just me.” He also went on to thank his family, saying, “this award should recognise the contribution of my wife Nonie and children Tasman and Madeleine who endured so much so that I could be involved so deeply in the sport.”

On behalf of a grateful Korfball community, Korfball Australia congratulates Roy on his well deserved Medal of the Order of Australia, and thanks him and his family for his many years of service.