By FLTLT Katrina Thomasson
PERSONNEL from across RAAF Base Amberley united for the annual Sergeant (SGT) Michael Ball Memorial Match, honouring a respected aviator through sport while raising funds for the Heart Foundation.
Now in its third year, the event has become a valued tradition on the Amberley calendar. Originally contested between Air Mobility Group and Air Combat Group teams, the memorial match has expanded into a whole-of-base Air versus Ground competition, encouraging broader participation from across the Defence community.
The day featured a women’s touch football match followed by a men’s rugby league game, bringing together players, supporters, volunteers and families in remembrance of SGT Michael Ball, whose service, character and dedication left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
SGT Ball’s wife, Mrs Lisa Ball, said the family was humbled by the ongoing support shown by the Air Force community.
“We’re beyond proud that something positive could come out of our loss,” Mrs Ball said.
“He wouldn’t believe he would get this much recognition for his work and his personality. It really goes to show that you never truly know how you’ve touched others until you’re gone.”
Mrs Ball said the annual memorial match reflected two of her husband’s greatest passions: service and sport.
“He would be so happy that his second love, being sport, was the medium in which his annual memorial event was undertaken,” she said.
“More than anything, he would be pleased that this event has helped bring heart health into the spotlight. He would want people to look after themselves, look after their health, look out for one another, and get things checked before it’s too late.”
Leading Aircraftwoman (LACW) Jessi Bailey, who has been involved in organising the event since its inception in 2024 and represented the Air team in this year’s women’s touch football match, said the event remained a highlight of the year.
“Each year we somehow manage to make the event bigger and better,” LACW Bailey said.
“I never had the pleasure of meeting Bally, but this event gives us the opportunity to raise money for the Heart Foundation and continue to connect with the Ball family.”
LACW Bailey said the transition to an Air versus Ground format had strengthened participation across the base.
“I think the change is great, giving us the ability to meet and network with even more people across Amberley,” she said.
With all proceeds donated directly to the Heart Foundation, the memorial match continues to honour SGT Ball’s legacy while supporting an important cause and reinforcing the sense of community that defines the Air Force family.
