Mayor Jamieson congratulates Geva Mentor CBE

Mayor Mark Jamieson has warmly congratulated Geva Mentor, the inaugural captain of the Sunshine Coast Lightning, for being recognised for her services to netball in the United Kingdom’s 2019 New Year’s Honours List.

Ms Mentor has been appointed a Commander of the Civil Division of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

The New Year’s Honours List was announced in the London Gazette yesterday.

Mayor Jamieson – who provided his personal support for the nomination of Ms Mentor for a CBE – said this honour was a fitting tribute for someone who is both an outstanding role model for women and girls everywhere and a great international ambassador for the sport of netball.

“Geva will always be recognised by our community as the first captain of our hugely successful Sunshine Coast Lightning and for the contribution that she and her fellow team members have made across many community initiatives,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“This honour recognises her efforts across a stellar career spanning at least 18 years at national representative level, during which Geva has not only captained the England Netball team but also helped the Sunshine Coast Lightning achieve an unprecedented result in becoming arguably, the most successful start-up national league team in Australian sporting history.

“Geva was first selected in England’s national team at the age of 16 and has gone on to win three Commonwealth Games medals representing England, including a gold medal at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games earlier this year.

“I know that many people across our community – from her former team mates, coaching staff and administration at the Sunshine Coast Lightning to members from local netball clubs – will be absolutely delighted that Geva has been honoured in this way.

“On behalf of the Sunshine Coast Council and the residents of the Sunshine Coast, I would like to extend our congratulations to Geva Mentor for the recognition she has received in the 2019 New Year’s Honours.”