Netball WA is celebrating the contribution of two outgoing Board Members, Julie Beeck and Marita Somerford following the completion of their terms at Saturday’s Annual General Meeting.
First joining the Board in 2015, Beeck brought to the sport more than 25 years of experience as a Business Manager and Marketing Consultant.
Of note during her time with Netball WA, Beeck established the organisation’s first Brand and Marketing Advisory Group, providing strategic guidance on the development and rollout of the brands for Netball WA, West Coast Fever and Shooting Stars.
Beeck said her time on the Board was an incredible privilege and was confident the sport was in a strong position despite the difficult current climate.
“During my time on the Board I gained a greater appreciation and recognition of the breadth of touchpoints netball has across the whole WA community and how powerful the sport is," said Beeck.
“Moving forward, I think there is a large scope for the development of netball. It has the advantage of being able to adapt itself to meet the needs of multiple audiences whether that’s children, men, the elderly or those with disabilities”
“It’s very exciting how netball can give so much to so many different audiences.”
As a passionate netballer and lifelong contributor to the sport, Somerford brought a wealth of netballing experience and a desire to make a difference with her Director role.
As the former Executive Officer for Australian Little Athletics, Social Investment Analyst at Chevron and President of Perth Netball Association, Somerford contributed across all areas of the sport.
Somerford also made a significant contribution to the establishment of Shooting Stars and was an inaugural Board Director of Glass Jar Australia at its launch in 2015.
“Being part of the Netball WA Board has allowed me to give back to netball after it's given me so much,” said Somerford.
“Our sport has grown significantly during my six-year term, from the grassroots level right up to the elite level, creating so many opportunities for our WA netballers.”
“A big contribution to the sport’s success is its Board and its Executive Management Team. I’ve worked with so many great minds both for netball and for business that have helped netball’s journey to being one of the top sports in WA at all levels.”
Netball WA President, Grant Robinson commended the two on their success with Netball WA.
“I would like to thank Marita and Julie for their immense dedication and passion they have shown during their terms,” said Robinson.
“Our sport is in a better place for having had them serve on our Board.”
