Spearheaded by Association President Coralee Italiano, priceless historical memorabilia was collected and displayed for the community, including past uniforms, trophies, photographs and meeting minutes.
Ms Italiano has been involved with the Association for more than 35 years as a player, umpire and official and said netball means a great deal to the Harvey community.
The Association’s involvement within Harvey has been strong since the beginning. In their early days, the start of the netball season was signalled by the athletes marching through the town in their uniforms.
“It was celebrated by everyone, everyone knew netball was on and it was certainly a spectacle for the community,” Ms Italiano said.
Throughout their 60 years, the Association has undergone many changes, including moving to the Harvey Recreation & Cultural Centre (HRCC) and an alteration of their colours.
As a nod to their history, on grand final night athletes played a match wearing different uniforms from the past. Combinations from the 1980s and 1990s were on display for younger athletes to witness for the first time.
The Association also took the time to recognise their life members and their importance, honouring them with a permanent plaque in the HRCC.
“Many of these women were here when the Association started, they helped us get to where we are now,” Ms Italiano said.
She credits these life members as being trailblazers for the sport in Harvey.
“It was those women in the early days, the trailblazers who had the courage to just do it,” she said.
The life members are part of a group of strong role models that Ms Italiano said have come from Harvey.
“Playing as a young girl, we always had strong role models, women from the community who were so passionate about it as a sport,” she said.
“They wanted to make sure netball continued in our little town.”
Ms Italiano was surprised with the presentation of her own life membership on the night, a symbol of the Association’s appreciation for her life’s commitment to netball.
Other role models who have been a product of Harvey netball include Origin Australian Diamond Donnel Wallam.
Harvey’s focus is now on creating a supportive and competitive environment where athletes can reach their full potential.
“What keeps driving us is that we want to support those girls and boys of all calibre, give them a place to have a bit of fun and mateship.
“If it wasn’t for those founding members and their passion, I don’t think we would still be here, giving athletes a place to have fun and feel like they belong.”
