Proposal to name netball courts after Sally McLean

A PUSH to name the netball courts at C.E. Brown Reserve after a Lake Wendouree legend and revered multiple premiership coach is a step closer to reality.

In a move designed to recognise the legacy of one of Ballarat’s most distinguished sporting figures, the City Of Ballarat has announced it is seeking feedback on a proposal to formally name the courts in honour of Sally McLean.

It follows overtures from the Lake Wendouree Football Netball Club, in partnership with the McLean family, recognising the late Sally McLean’s ‘outstanding contribution to netball in Ballarat and her lasting impact within the Ballarat Football Netball League (BFNL)’.

The proposal to name the netball courts the Sally McLean Courts coincides with the club’s 30th anniversary this year, making this a particularly meaningful time to honour her memory.

A spokesperson for the Lakers said the proposal had been months in the making.

“We thank the City of Ballarat for accepting our proposal and collaborating with us throughout this process,” the spokesperson said.

“As many of you know, Sally has played a significant role in our modest 30-year history, and we take immense pride in honouring her legacy.

“If we are successful, going forward, our netball courts will forever be known as the Sally McLean Courts.

“We still have a way to go on the proposal for final formal approval, and the next step requires public input on the proposal.

“We encourage everyone to visit the link (see below) to the City of Ballarat’s community My Say page and share your thoughts and feedback supporting this proposal.

 

“There’s also an opportunity for you to share any personal stories you may have about Sally.”

A seven-time premiership coach with the Lakers, McLean served the Lake Wendouree Football Netball Club for more than a decade in various roles, including under-18 coach, senior coach, netball coordinator and mentor.

Under her leadership, the Lakers became a dominant force in the BFNL, with her teams consistently demonstrating excellence, humility and sportsmanship both on and off the court.

Sally’s coaching career was marked by remarkable achievements, including 10 grand final appearances in total.

In a feat that remains unmatched, the Lakers in 2010 secured all four netball premierships on offer.

McLean was often recognised by her peers and BFNL officials, voted the league’s coach of the year nearly every season of her tenure, while she was also nominated as coach of the BFNL Best Netball Team of 20 Years.

Beyond her coaching accolades, her personal resilience inspired many.

Despite facing serious illness and undergoing more than 11 operations, she missed only three games during her time as senior coach.

Her unwavering commitment to her players and the sport exemplified courage, dedication and passion.

Sadly, after retiring from coaching in 2013 to focus on her family and health, McLean died in 2015 after an eight-year battle with cancer.

Ten years on, her legacy continues to be deeply felt by the Lake Wendouree Football Netball Club and the wider Ballarat sporting community.

Her memory lives on with the medal for the BFNL’s A-grade netball best and fairest netballer named in her honour.

McLean’s daughter Courtney followed her mum into the head-coaching role, leading the Lakers A-grade side from 2021-25 and this year passing the 350-game milestone with the club.

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the naming proposal reflected the values and spirit of the Ballarat community.

“Sally was clearly widely respected for her leadership, integrity and enduring contribution to netball in the region, and that influence continues to resonate across the local sporting community,” she said.

“Naming the netball courts in her honour would be a fitting tribute to a remarkable individual who gave so much to our city.”

Cr Hargreaves said the proposal further aligned with the state government’s Remember a Local, Name a Place campaign, an initiative run by Geographic Names Victoria.

Launched last year, the campaign aims to ensure public spaces reflect Victoria’s rich diversity and history by inviting the community to nominate people who have made a significant impact to the state or their community in areas like healthcare, science, the arts, sport or public service.

The community consultation period runs until December. To provide feedback, visit mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au.