100 years strong at Geelong Central Netball Association

Geelong Central Netball Association will mark its 100th year on October 13 with a celebration for the ages set to be held at Provenance Wines in Fyansford.

The venue is fitting given the association’s origins; starting in the 1920s when women’s basketball was played at the woollen mills, offering an opportunity for exercise and social engagement particularly for the English women brought out to use the machines. Mill managers drew courts on the ground and games were played mainly at lunchtime.

By the 1930s, more and more girls were wanting to play so two gravel courts were laid at Kardinia Park, on land previously occupied by a zoo and lily ponds. In the 1950s, more courts were laid at Kardinia park in the present location and summer basketball was introduced due to its popularity. In 1958, the first court lights were installed to allow night games and the 1970s saw many changes for both players and umpires, including the disappearance of the word “basketball” which was replaced with “netball”, as well as the first televised matches in 1979.

Also in the late 70s, a young Simone McKinnis began playing netball at Kardinia Park under the watchful eye of Barb Gillett, a former Victorian Open team member, and in the 1980s her career really took off. Playing for the very strong Melbourne Blues Club, Simone was first selected in the Victorian State Team in 1985. Despite starting her career at Goal Defence, Simone is widely regarded as the best Wing Defence in Australia.

Geelong Central Netball Association Secretary Liz Coles said in the 1980s, netball in Geelong was going from strength to strength and participation numbers were increasing each year.

“In 1984, the introduction of the Regional system allowed players the opportunity to play against the best in other regions.

“The Esso Superleague commenced, providing even more opportunities and the Queen’s Birthday long weekend became always a highlight for every association.

“It was always cold, wet, windy and foggy at Royal Park but the bus trip was so much fun and the stopover at McDonald’s on the way home was always a highlight.”

Men’s netball was also becoming a very popular sport in Geelong in the 1980s. Lionel Foster founded the Victorian and Australian Men’s Netball associations in 1985 and ran the first two Australian Championships in Geelong in 1985 and 1987. Many local players went on to represent Victoria and Australia.

Today, the Geelong Central Netball Association offers programs and competitions for NetSetGo, minis, juniors, boys U12s and U14s, seniors, mixed, walking netball and all abilities, with over 400 registered players and all still based at Kardinia Park.

Further details of the official 100 Year Celebration will be announced via the association’s social media channels over the coming months but those keen to attend should mark October 13 at Provenance Wines in their diaries. Attendees can expect an afternoon filled with history, stories and memorabilia plus an exciting panel of speakers.

For more information, to be added to the invite list, or to share any memorabilia or stories in the lead-up to the event, email [email protected]

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