New-look Dolphins on and off the court
LORNE Netball Club’s efforts to push up the ladder in 2020 will not only be bolstered by the recent appointment of Zoe Donne but will be aided by a new off-court project set to bring the club into the 21st century.
The Dolphins have slipped on the court after claiming the 2017 premiership, finishing bottom of the table in 2018 and second from the bottom in 2019, winning just three games for the year.
But the addition of Donne, a former stet netballer, could be the start of their ascent back up the ladder and comes as the club embarks on a major project to build a new pavilion as part of the Stribling Reserve Development.
Lorne president Carly Enticott said Donne had proven to be the “perfect candidate” for the senior coaching role, adding that the pavilion project was an exciting step to help modernise the club.
“Our current netball facilities are very basic, with no toilets or showers attached to the building,” Enticott said.
“Storage is minimal and privacy for players is often challenged, with large windows around the main areas. The Stribling Reserve Committee has been very supportive of installing privacy blinds, but a new facility is going to make an enormous impact on our club.
“To be able to have an accessible toilet accessed from the court will be exceptional, as will a separate changing space for our male umpires who previously have not been catered for.
“It’s going to provide all of our participants — from people aged 3-65 — with safe, warm and spacious change areas and we’re especially excited it’s going to have multiple functions and provide the wider community with a brilliant facility.
“Stribling Reserve is the cornerstone of our community and is integral to the health and wellbeing of so many — from school students to sportspeople to community groups.”
Construction of the new pavilion commences this year and is expected to be completed within 12 months.