Officials of the Year – Josephine Ng and Dave Higgins

23 May 2020

Officials of the Year – Josephine Ng and Dave Higgins

With the cancellation of the 2020 Athletics NSW awards, over the next month we will announce the winners on the website and in social media.

The 2020 Athletics NSW Officials of the year are Dave Higgins and Josephine Ng. There are few more important to our sport than our officials and we recognise and congratulate Dave, Josephine and the many officials who keep our sport going.

These dedicated volunteers, who come from all walks of life and every background, work tirelessly to ensure athletes can achieve their goals and participate in sport. Their efforts, time, energy and skills are greatly appreciated.

Novice Official of the Year – Josephine Ng

Josephine’s journey in the sport commenced as a volunteer in 2014. After four years she converted to an official and has now competed qualifications in jumps, track, start line, out-of-stadium and walks. But she will primarily be seen at the sand pit, officiating in the horizontal jumps.

Why did Josephine pursue officiating?

“I enjoyed athletics when I was growing up and wanted to experience it from a different perspective as an official. I also enjoyed volunteering,” said Josephine who in just two years has reached the level of national official.

A goal is the officiate internationally.”

A fulltime accountant, Josephine has just sat her Chartered Accounting exam.

Official of the Year – Dave Higgins

A track meet just wouldn’t feel right unless Dave Higgins is positioned somewhere trackside. A regular track umpire Dave can be seen around the finish line or around the track. For over 15 years Dave Higgins has been a reliable Athletics NSW official, always up-to-date with his favourite area of the sport – distance running. A former rugby and squash player, Dave has jogged since the ‘70s. In 1987 he joined Kembla Joggers and has served on the club committee in various roles. He has also been a key member of the club as they developed the amazing international standard purpose-built cross country venue at West Dapto.

He fondly remembers the Sydney Olympic Games where he was a volunteer aid station leader on the marathons (and road walks), an event that south coast local hero Kerryn McCann contested. He has also enjoyed watching the rise of former club member Ryan Gregson from junior to senior international.

Dave, an accountant, is now retired from his career where he specialised on insolvency work. His financial experience has been helpful for his club Kembla Joggers.

Thanks Josephine and Dave for the many hours you have given to the sport.

David Tarbotton for Athletics NSW

Images: Josephine Ng (left) and Dave Higgins