By Elizabeth Winter
Proud Wiradjuri woman Jordan Kiss has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to netball, taking home National Sports Official of the Year at this year’s Indigenous Sports Awards.
Since making her Super Netball umpiring debut in 2021, Kiss has continued to build her reputation on the domestic and international stage, earning recognition from World Netball and helping develop the next generation of umpires.
In May this year, Kiss received the International Umpire Award from World Netball, becoming the second First Nations umpire to achieve the qualification and opening the door to officiating at major international netball events.
Kiss previously earned an All-Australia Umpire Award in 2023 and was granted World Netball’s International Talent Identified (ITID) status in August 2025.
Alongside her role in Super Netball, Kiss has officiated at international events including the Singlife Nations Cup and Asian Youth Netball Championships as well as the recent Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Asia Qualifier in Hong Kong and the Oceania Qualifier in Tonga.
For Kiss, the recognition from the Indigenous Sports Awards marks a significant milestone in her umpiring journey
"Receiving the award is an incredibly special and humbling moment for me,” she said.
“Knowing Stacey Campton received this award 30 years ago makes this recognition even more meaningful. To follow in the footsteps of someone who paved the way before me is something I feel incredibly proud of.
“I'm so proud to represent my First Nations culture. I hope that my journey can inspire other young First Nations people to pursue their passions within this great sport.”
High-Performance Umpire Coach Stacey Campton OAM was proud to see the recognition of Kiss’ hard work as an umpire.
“I am very proud of Jordan and her achievements. She continues to grow into her All Australia and International qualifications and 2026 was a consolidating year for her, capped off by her receiving this Award,” Campton said.
“Jordan's hard work is testament to her journey to become an Australian and International Netball Umpire. Budabai Yinda Jordan - thanks for all you have contributed to the sport.”
Beyond the elite level, Kiss has also contributed to the development of umpiring across Australia and the Pacific, supporting workshops and accreditation opportunities to strengthen umpiring pathways and build capability across the sport.
Through her achievements on the international stage and her commitment to supporting emerging umpires, Kiss continues to make a valuable contribution to the future of netball both in Australia and internationally.
