Our History
1948
The Ballarat Netball Association commenced in 1948, combining two groups of existing womens' sporting competitions - Sunday Schools Women's Basketball and Churches Women's Basketball. 1968 The Association was centralised in 1968 when it opened its gates at Llanberris Reserve Ballarat. The Association was granted 6 outdoor asphalt courts by Ballarat City Council and the facilities has been built up and improved upon over the last 40 years. 1970 Australia stopped using the name "women's basketball" and adopted the name "netball". 1970's and 80's As netball grew to become an increasingly popular sport for women and girls in the Ballarat region, so did the Association. It's committee and team of volunteers worked tirelessly to accommodate the influx of players, teams and clubs. Major clubs were established during this time. Most of these clubs are still competing to this day, including Eureka, Dela, Sturt and Brown Hill. The facilities were upgraded with lights in 1972. Office, toilets, showers and an administration block were built in 1982. 1990's The standard and profile of netball in the Ballarat region was lifted with the development of a two court indoor stadium in 1990 and an additional 2 indoor courts in 1995. The office, meeting room, canteen, club room, office and the administration expansion were added during 1999-2002. 1995 The association continued to grow to establish itself as one of Victoria's major sporting bodies. The entry of the city's representative State League team is indicative of the Association's strength and commitment to player development. 2000's With the infrastructure fully established the BNA's primary focus moved to player, coach and umpire development. 2007 - 2009 The surface of all indoor and outdoor courts was upgraded to rebound ace to ensure the venue is considered of a high standard to accommodate zone, regional, local and school events. 2009 State Level Netball became Victorian Netball League (VNL). Ballarat Pride was successful in its application for a VNL license, being one of only two regional VNL clubs, and the only country club. With the success of Ballarat's application this gives players, coaches, and personnel the opportunity to play, train and develop at the highest level within Victoria. 2011 / 2012 Today, the BNA Headquarters, Stadium and Administration complex is the centre for netball in the Central Highlands Region. The efforts of a band of volunteers - committee members and friends of the Association have presented the city with a sporting arena to be proud of. |
Life MembersCarmel Caligari (deceased)
Marian Waldron Leo Stapleton (Hon., deceased) Jo Dash (OAM) Glad Reeves (deceased) Dot Bowman Sandy Jansen Susan Abele Marita Lenaghan Sue Purves Rhonda Tighe Leena Stephens Anne McCartin Jenni Nicholls Marlene Lorensini |