Northam Netball Association celebrated their 75th Anniversary with a morning tea to thank life members recently.
Northam Netball Association and Netball WA Life Member Adele Simmons said the morning was a wonderful success, with 15 Life Members in attendance very pleased with the celebrations.
“Our Life Members and dignitaries watched the parade of all of the associations teams alongside the opening ceremony which was great,” Ms Simmons said.
“They were even able to see the little Woolworths NetSetGO kids play, which they all loved.”
Although a regional association, Northam have a long history of success across all of Perth. The association was represented at State League level by the Wheatbelt Flames Netball Club until 2018 and have had much success in the Fuel to Go & Play Association Championships.
When reflecting on the Association’s history, it wasn’t the success that stood out the most to Ms Simmons, instead memories the players, staff and families have made over the years.
Ms Simmons recalled, through fits of laughter, the early mornings travelling to carnivals around the State and the challenges that brought.
“Every time we travelled, we’d have to get up at the crack of dawn and sleep on the bus,” she said.
“Often, we’d be late, and the girls would be running up and down the aisles to warm up.
“One time the bus didn’t even show up. The athletes were just stuck outside the post office with all of their luggage at 5am.”
The volunteers, like many associations, are the heart and soul of Northam netball. Ms Simmons described the
“Netball Ladies” of the past as having dedicated their entire Saturdays to netball over the years.
Now, after 75 years of history, the volunteers and staff who have supported Northam throughout the years toast to the committee of today as they pass the baton on and hope for another 75 years of success.
