The Cairns Post

‘I’m stepping down but I’ll never leave’

Key netball figure handing over the reins after nine years in the job

- KYM MCPHEE-SMITH

I STARTED working for Cairns Netball nine years ago doing 5-10 hours per week working in a small building with no airconditi­oner and just a table and chair to work off, which I shared with the games controller and the canteen.

We operated our competitio­n on six courts in the tiniest car park. At one stage, I was the games controller, canteen operator, net fun co-ordinator and the administra­tor. Fast forward nine years and we have an amazing $3.8 million-dollar facility that includes 16 netball courts, four part-time employees, over 30 casual employees and yes, we have aircon.

I have had the opportunit­y to meet and work with some amazing people who are passionate about seeing our organisati­on grow. Netball in Cairns would not keep thriving without all these amazing people and volunteers.

The positive achievemen­ts the associatio­n has had over the past nine years are large and I am so proud to say that I got the opportunit­y to be a part of it. There are so many hours and years that committees, volunteers and employees have put in to achieve them, and it could not have been done without them, and I thank them sincerely.

Cairns Netball has grown to be an inclusive and positive place and this is largely due to the opportunit­ies that are available for anyone to be a part of. Whether you are a player, coach, manager, umpire, bench official, committee member, parent or volunteer, you feel a part of the netball family at Cairns Netball and we have created a wonderful netball journey for many.

I am extremely proud of the position our associatio­n is in and the legacies we have laid. This is largely why I have decided to step down as the operations manager of Cairns Netball. I am a great believer in change being empowering and I think it is time to see some new leadership.

This job was always about passion and making our associatio­n the best it could be, and I believe it can keep growing and go to the next level.

This associatio­n is and will always be my home for the next 50 years and I want my children and their children to keep enjoying what I have been so lucky to have.

Netball will always have me as a volunteer, club supporter, coach, umpire and parent, I will still continue to be at the courts, and I just might now be able to remove my bed from my office.

Thank you all again for all the support over the many years. I have loved every minute of the ride.

 ?? Picture: BRENDAN RADKE ?? LEGACY: Cairns Netball Associatio­n has transforme­d over the past nine years.
Picture: BRENDAN RADKE LEGACY: Cairns Netball Associatio­n has transforme­d over the past nine years.
 ??  ?? Kym McPhee-Smith is the outgoing Cairns Netball operations manager
Kym McPhee-Smith is the outgoing Cairns Netball operations manager

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