Crunch time for Castlemaine netball association; summer comp at risk

A SHORTAGE of volunteer committee members has placed the Castlemaine and District Netball Association’s summer season and the potential future of the organisation in jeopardy.

The association was unable to form a quorum at its annual general meeting this week, leaving it without enough volunteers to make up a committee.

If the CDNA is unable to fill all of its committee positions, its summer competition will not run and the association could be forced into recess.

A second attempt at filling the vacancies will be made at a rescheduled annual general meeting this Monday night (November 24) at 7pm.

CDNA junior development squad coach Vanessa Saunders said the situation had hit a critical point.

“After 60-plus years of running, we are in a bit of trouble,” she said.

“There’s no other way to say it, we need helpers.

“The help hasn’t dried up overnight; we’ve always had people who have taken on terms on the committee for one or two years, but replacing them when they feel their time is up has been difficult.

“It’s probably been more apparent since COVID.

“We are in a pickle; if we don’t get some people to come on board, unfortunately the association will have to fold.”

Somewhat uniquely, the CDNA runs two competitions, one at the start of the year and another at the end in a bid to avoid clashes with the country football-netball season.

Saunders said no summer competition would have a flow on effect on the CDNA’s representative teams.

“If we don’t get a committee, our development squads will not be able to function under the CDNA banner,” said Saunders, who will lead the North Central Netball Region’s 17-and-under male team into battle at the State Titles early next year.

“I’d try and make it work somewhere else, but after years of having own little rep sides, kids will miss out on opportunities.

“We’ll try again Monday.

“We urgently need people to take on roles—big or small.

“No experience needed, just a willingness to help keep local netball alive.”

Monday night’s meeting will be held at the CDNA’s base at the Wesley Hill Recreation Reserve.

For more details on the CDNA or on how to volunteer, email: [email protected]; or phone 0407 508 387.

Further information can be found on the Castlemaine and District Netball Association and North Central Netball Region Facebook pages.