Apollo Netball Club – 25 years in the making
WHEN a group of friends dreamed of playing together as a group, there was an aim to develop a dynasty. That goal has been well and truly netted!
Robyn Lappa approached the Dubbo Netball Association in 1994 and the first team was laced in jade green polo shirts and black skirts depicting the Apollo Candy Co. name.
Times have changed, the team has grown into a club with a full complement of teams, and the polos and skirts have been replaced by A-line dresses embracing the original jade and black.
“We had a logo made, looking to the universe for guidance, with a comet tail,” current president Maree Holland told Dubbo Photo News.
“Many of our teams still sport universal tags such as Comets, Starbursts and Sparkles but we have had to search outside the stratosphere to find names for the many new teams.”
Last season Apollo fielded 14 teams from 5 to 7 years in the Netsetgo program to a full set of senior teams.
“We also support our members with a great volunteer committee, umpire mentors and qualified coaches, all under the Netball NSW banner,” Maree added.
Registrations have changed over the past quarter of a century.
“Like everything in life, technology has overtaken paper with all regos now made online. The added bonus of the Government Sports Rebate for busy families encourages children to get active and play sport, embracing the opportunity to make new friends and have a great support network as they advance through the ranks. Netball is a great sport and creates wonderful opportunities for people of all ages.”
The Apollo tag is instantly recognised in Dubbo and across the state and now boasts mentors within the local association, high ranking Nationally Badged umpires, Western Region coaches and representative opportunities. As Dubbo moves forward into a proposed new indoor venue and increased input from Netball NSW, there are plenty of opportunities for netballers in Dubbo and surrounds.
Apollo joined other clubs with the first of a number of registration days held at Elston Park last Saturday.
“We have two more registration dates – this Saturday, February 16, from 2-5pm and Sunday, February 24, from 11-2pm – at the Nita Mcgrath Courts Netball Clubhouse,” Maree said.
For further enquiries email apollonetballclubdubbo@outlook.com or visit the website apollonc.nsw.netball.com.au or join them on facebook. This photo in the rain is the very first ever Apollo team. Most of the girls worked with Robyn Lappa at the Apollo Candy Co. It was taken just after winning the Grand Final in the Div’s. Apollo 10 – Erin Cummings, Lillian Hodder, Jennifer Larter, Bronwyn Davis, Bianca Patrick, Kerry Williams, Holly Duff, Dominique Gilmore, Angie Newton, Tash Bailey DUBBO’S Ducks ventured to Condobolin for the annual Western Districts AIF Carnival last weekend.
Ducks President Dave Sparkes said the host club put on a great weekend for swimmers and their partners.
There was also the formal presentation of Life Membership of the AIF for well-known Wellington swimmer, Terry Dray.
“Tippy was elected for Life Membership at last year’s carnival and AGM in Dubbo but the honour was bestowed on Sunday. Tippy, as he is affectionately known, is the first life member of the Western Districts AIF Swimming,” Dave said.
The Ducks had a good day in the pool with the President winning both the RSL 30 metre handicap and the 50 metre event.
Brett Schloeffel won the under-50 years RSL scratch race and in the over-60 years, it was a Ducks’ trifecta – Tom Gray first, Doug Fuller second and David Sparkes third.
A brilliant swim by Mark Scullard clinched the blue ribbon event, the 50m open scratch race.
“Scull was too good for them. He churned down the pool at a rate of knots,” David wrote.
In the relays, Tom Gray, Greg Salmon, David Sparkes and Brett Schloeffel finished second in the 4 x 50m RSL scratch race, the Ducks teams including Marg Ross, Mel Giddings, Glen Smith, Xanthe Clark, Doug Fuller, Jenny Salmon, and John Wherritt came in third in the 6 x 50m relay with one RSL swimmer.
Jenny Salmon won a $100 fuel voucher in the raffle.
“As usual the Ducks had a weekend full of fun and friendship and were great ambassadors for the Dubbo RSL Club and the rest is... what happens on tour stays on tour,” David Sparkes laughed!
Next year’s Carnival will be held at Cobar.