Thank You, Keith Suckling – Celebrating Over a Decade of

Service to Volleyball NSW

Volleyball NSW extends its deepest gratitude to Keith (Sucky) Suckling, who will be stepping down from the Board of Directors after an exceptional tenure that began in 2012. Keith’s contribution to our organisation spans far beyond his role as a director; it is woven into the very fabric of the community he has helped strengthen for more than 13 years.

Keith concludes his service at a time when volleyball in NSW is experiencing unprecedented momentum – record growth in membership, participation, and engagement across the state. This period of strength and expansion is due in no small part to his steady leadership, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to the sport.

One of Keith’s most lasting legacies is his leadership in the renewal of the organisation’s constitution, a cornerstone achievement that helped modernise governance, embed transparency, and set Volleyball NSW on a sustainable path forward. His influence has been pivotal in rebuilding the organisation over the past decade and a half, especially in the areas of strategic planning, risk management, and compliance. His diligence, professionalism, and long-term vision have left an indelible mark on how the organisation operates today.

Keith’s impact, however, reaches far beyond the boardroom. A committed member of the volleyball community, he has contributed as a player, which saw him earn the first NSW Phoenix gold badge, and a respected coach, referee, and club administrator. His passion for the game and dedication to nurturing its community have been felt across all levels of the sport.

Quote from outgoing Volleyball NSW Director, Keith Suckling – “It has been a great privilege to serve on the VNSW Board for as long as I have. As with everything that goes with our great sport, the only way to make things happen and be successful is with great people around you working together as a team...be that the VNSW Board, VNSW staff & volunteers, players, coaches, referees, and the community at large. 

Seeing volleyball in NSW go from the relatively small thing it was (whether that be competitions, state representative programs, referee & coach development) into the much larger production it is now is a great feeling. I'm sure the sport will continue to go from strength to strength in NSW with the continued engagement of the broader community and commitment of the many people who put in their time & energy to make it happen.”

Quote from the Volleyball NSW President, Julien Prosser – “True volleyball people like Keith are a rare breed. It is an irrefutable fact that Volleyball NSW, and volleyballin NSW, would not be in such a great position for its next stage of growth without the expertise and long-term commitment of ‘Sucky’. We thank you for your dedication to and passion for our great sport.”

Quote from the Volleyball NSW Interim CEO, Rebecca Walter – “Keith has been an integral part of Volleyball NSW for more than a decade, and his impact cannot be overstated. His leadership has set the organisation on a path of growth and sustainability. Beyond the boardroom, Keith’s passion for volleyball and his commitment to the community are inspiring. We are deeply grateful for his dedication and the legacy he leaves behind, and we look forward to continuing to see him involved in our great sport!”

As we celebrate his extraordinary service, Volleyball NSW sincerely thanks Keith for his leadership, his integrity, and his profound contribution to volleyball in our state. We wish him all the best in the next chapter and look forward to seeing him continue to be part of the community he has helped shape so meaningfully.

From everyone here at Volleyball NSW, we thank you, Keith, for everything you have done to progress our great sport!