50 years of competitive netball

The Warragul District Netball Association is set to mark 50 years of competitive netball at the Burke Street courts.

The celebrations will begin with a fun day at the courts on Saturday, August 18 with players from the Melbourne Hawks netball team and activities arranged by Netball Victoria.

Celebrations will culminate with a 50th anniversary dinner at Warragul Country Club on Wednesday, August 22 from 6.30pm. Netball Victoria southern region officer Judi Buhagiar will be compere, with Netball Victoria chief executive Rosie King guest speaker.

Warragul and District Netball association commenced as the Warragul and District Basketball Association. The first meeting to form a committee was in December 1967 to commence competition in 1968.

Matches were initially played at Warragul High School basketball courts, with 34 teams in 1968 increasing to 42 the following year.

Discussion ensued about the possible sites for the location of the playing courts, including Tarwin Street at the location of the old tip and opposite the current business complex on South Rd, with the current site next to the caravan park selected.

In 1968 goal posts and rings were purchased, with the original six courts skin sealed.

A long-term loan was sought from the Shire of Warragul to erect toilets and to fence off the creek. Funds were also sought for the erection of a club house and four sand courts in 1969.

Embroidered emblems were purchased for best dressed teams in all games in 1969, while the Association took out a public risk insurance policy in 1970.

Fundraising activities included casserole lunches, street stalls, fashion parades, dances and chook raffles.

The pavilion was finished in 1972 with the inclusion of a verandah at a total cost of $6630.

Teams were entered into Country Week and in very wet weather, play was cancelled and announced on local radio station 3UL.

A constitution was drawn up a local law firm in 1974, while courts were also resurfaced.

Under 10s were incorporated into the Association in 1975.

Married women were permitted to wear pantyhose and a matching top under their uniform in 1976.

The first security light was installed in 1977 at a cost of $96 annually. Twilight competition commenced in 1979-80. Victorian Netball Association conducted a coaching and umpiring clinic in 1981. One member per team was expected to sit the umpires’ exam and there was a fine of $2 for failing to comply. There was no objection to having male umpires.

A compressor to inflate netballs was donated in 1983.

Pies and hot dogs were sold in 1985, with the Association buying a pie warmer at a cost of about $1000. A possibility of amalgamating with Drouin Association in the open grades in winter was discussed.

Courts were again resurfaced in 1986, with the Shire meeting half of the $16,000 cost.

Fifteen injuries were sustained during a regional tournament in 1987, owing to slippery courts due to the fine sand coming through the surface.

In 1988 competitions were running on Saturday, Tuesday morning and Wednesday evening.

Boys commenced playing in the under 10 section in 1989, with two boys allowed on the court at any one time.

Sandra Hoskins and Lyn Stapleton were nominated for life membership in 1990.

Gabrielle Draisma was selected to umpire for the Victorian Schoolgirls’ competition in 1991. The new pavilion was built in 1992. A new netball region was announced in 1993, with Warragul placed in the new Casey Region, with Ellinbank, Drouin, Pakenham and West Gippsland.

A decision was made to split the association into an indoor and outdoor competition with two separate committees in 1995. In 1996 there were 12 courts. Another court resurfacing occurred in 1998. In 2001 WDNA received a grant to resurface the courts and increase lighting.

The representative squad were entered into five competitions in 2002, with the 13 and under team reaching the state finals. Playground equipment was installed in 2003. In 2005 the beginner umpire was paid $3.50 and $5 for an umpire who had completed one or more courses. A badged umpire received $8.

In 2006 it was suggested that the choice of president to be rotated between all of the WDNA clubs.

Working With Children Certificates were introduced in 2010.

Shirley Melsen was awarded a life membership on grand final day in 2013, when she retired as canteen manager.

In 2014 courts four and five were turned and resurfaced to allow for greater run off space. A graffiti kit was organised - a sad indictment upon current society.

The Plexipave court surfacing was completed in February 2015. A large committee changeover occurred with WDNA welcoming several new members.

Asphalt cracks were repaired on courts 6-11 in 2016, while a shelter was constructed between courts five and six.

Gazebos to use at special events were bought in 2017.

The new netball shelter was constructed ready to commence the 2018 twilight season.