Mary Patrickson: Championing Leadership and Governance in Community Sport

Mary Patrickson is a long-standing community sport volunteer from Gippsland, known for her leadership, dedication, and passion for good governance. Through her involvement in basketball and participation in GippSport’s Changing Gippsland’s Game Community Leadership Program, Mary gained the confidence and skills to further her development, later completing a Diploma of Governance. Her story highlights the powerful impact of investing in the personal and professional growth of volunteers across Gippsland. 

the story of Mary Patrickson

Mary has been actively involved in Gippsland’s basketball community for many years. She is currently in her eighth year as Secretary/Treasurer of the Neerim District Junior Basketball Club and is serving a board term with the Warragul District Amateur Basketball Association (WDABA) until November 2025.

In March 2023, Mary was named a Local Legend at the International Women’s Day Local Legends Dinner at Algie Hall, which brought together more than 100 community members to celebrate women making a difference through leadership and volunteering. 

Mary first joined GippSport’s Changing Gippsland’s Game Community Leadership Program, a regional initiative supporting women in sport and recreation to build confidence, skills, and connections. The program focuses on elevating women into leadership roles by offering workshops, mentoring, and alumni events. For Mary, the experience reignited her passion for leadership and gave her the tools to expand her influence.

Following her participation in the program, Mary independently undertook and funded a Diploma of Governance through the Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA). With a strong belief in the importance of good governance, she committed to furthering her knowledge to better support WDABA, including its governance review and strategic planning.

The opportunity: supporting volunteer leadership in community sport

While Mary had extensive on-the-ground experience, she identified a need for deeper support and learning opportunities in governance and leadership. She was also looking to connect with others navigating similar challenges in community sport.

Changing Gippsland’s Game presented a timely and relevant opportunity—a leadership program tailored to women in Gippsland, designed to help them step into or strengthen leadership roles, especially in male-dominated or volunteer-run organisations.

Why Mary Chose GippSport's Leadership Program

Mary chose to participate in Changing Gippsland’s Game because it offered a safe, supportive environment for women volunteers to develop their leadership skills. The program was Gippsland-based, practical, and values-driven, with a strong focus on inclusion and building peer support networks.

One of her favourite moments was attending the program’s alumni gathering, which featured high-performance mindset coach Emma Murray. These connections and shared learnings gave Mary the confidence and clarity to pursue further leadership development.

How Mary Applied her Learning with GippSport's Support

Through Changing Gippsland’s Game, Mary gained new leadership tools and formed relationships with other passionate volunteers. The experience prompted her to take her development further by completing a Diploma of Governance, which she applied directly in her role on the WDABA board.

Mary later worked with GippSport’s Community Solutions team to guide the development of WDABA’s new Strategic Plan—laying the foundations for improved planning, structure, and long-term sustainability for the association.

“The course is an excellent grounding for managing community organisations. While company directors courses focus on corporate governance, this course takes a community lens, which is crucial when most groups are powered by volunteers.” – Mary Patrickson

the results

Mary’s leadership journey demonstrates how ongoing learning and targeted support can create lasting change in local sport. Her commitment has:

✅ Strengthened governance practices at WDABA
✅ Led to the development of a new strategic plan with GippSport’s guidance
✅ Inspired other women in the region to pursue leadership roles
✅ Created a ripple effect in supporting inclusive, sustainable sport organisations

Mary is now regarded as a trusted leader in Gippsland, with her blend of training, experience, and passion making her an invaluable asset to the sporting community.

GippSport’s Changing Gippsland’s Game supports women like Mary to lead, influence, and shape the future of community sport. If you’re a woman looking to grow your confidence and leadership in sport or recreation, we’re here to help.

Call us on 5176 3020 or email info@gippsport.com.au

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GippSport acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work, The Bunurong Peoples, Gunaikurnai Peoples and other traditional owner groups of the Gippsland/East Gippsland Region.  We recognise their ongoing connection to the land, waters and community, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and the ongoing living culture of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people.

GippSport is committed to making a positive contribution to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and working in solidarity towards reconciliation.

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