The Bunbury Netball Association celebrated its 75th anniversary on the weekend at the Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre with more than 20 Life members in attendance.
Bunbury Netball Association (BNA), formerly known as the Bunbury Basketball Association, was established at the Queens Gardens in Central Bunbury, all the way back in 1947.
The two earliest members of the association were both State Team members – Vera Linton and Kit Keddie - the inaugural BNA President and Secretary and first ever life members.
The original pavilion was named after Mrs Keddie before utilising their new premises since 1979.
BNA moved to their current location in Hay Park in the early 1960s, naming the newly built premises the MB Smith Netball Centre, after Mrs Peg Smith.
In 1949, BNA were able to field two teams in the Association Championships and now they are able to field numerous more sides in the annual competition.
President Graham Jones said the success of the association was built on the hard work of volunteers.
“The success of BNA – as are many local sporting organisations – is down to the willingness of volunteers, which are predominately parents, to occupy various roles and keep the association afloat,” Mr Jones said.
“There are now younger members looking to undertake key roles within the association, allowing many of the current committee – who are made up of club presidents or delegates and life members to start taking a back seat.”
Mr Jones is currently into his second stint as President, returning to the role in 2019 after a decade out of the role.
He said the association now has 30 life members with many of these representatives making significant contributions over the years.
