NORTH EASTERN NETBALL
ASSOCIATION

It is with pleasure that I present my Presidents report for 2024. Our 2024 NENA Roster saw 400+ registered members, with games played across venues at Scottsdale, Bridport, Derby and Winnaleah. There is never a dull moment playing a winter sport outside, with games in 2024 affected by ice, flooded courts and even abandoned games due to fog! NENA implemented further developments in the IT space, with online scoring via PlayHQ rolled out with tablets purchased courtesy of a Netball Tasmania technology grant, along with online association voting. Both developments streamlined processes and improved efficiencies in time management for the Board – we appreciate all Clubs being receptive to these changes and embracing them during the season. NENA also launched their new public facing website. This has been a long time coming, with all Clubs, members and the general public now having access to information about NENA in one place. I attended the Netball Tasmania Annual General Meeting in May, and again, NENA is the #1 regional association for registered members, and Netball Tasmania CEO Mitch Coulson stated that there has been a 40% increase in registrations in our Association since 2020 – well done everyone! NENA was represented at all Junior Statewide Carnivals in 2024 and were successful at both the Devon and NTNA Carnivals, however, participation in representative teams continues to be a challenge for the Board, with many improvements undertaken over the years to encourage players to be involved. NENA were fortunate to have some development opportunities available during the year. Our Association again participated in the OfficiatED umpiring course facilitated by John Fox from Netball Tasmania. John also provided on court mentoring for umpires during a Wednesday evening round and awarded 3 ‘C’ badges to NENA umpires. NENA were required to adhere to new legislation regarding the Child and Youth Safe framework, with an emphasis on ensuring that our young and vulnerable people within our community are kept safe. NENA endorsed this legislation, along with a range of other Netball Tasmania and Netball Australia policies during the year – all of which are available on our website. This continues the focus on increased policies and procedures in the governance area for NENA, and having those processes documented and available for all members. NENA ran a successful NetSetGo program in term 3, with 30+ young people attending each week in the stadium, culminating in an exhibition match on Grand Final Day. Thanks to Bridget Waterhouse who volunteered to coordinate this program, along with willing parents each week who helped out with activities. Congratulations to Bridport, Central Swifts and Scottsdale for winning their respective Premierships and to all Association Best and Fairest winners and runners up and NENA special Award winners. It was great to see some of the NENA life members present on the day, enjoying their dedicated seating area – especially since the weather, at times, was dismal! A successful Mixed Netball competition was also undertaken in late 2024, with 9 teams participating and Monstars taking out the Grand Final. Thanks to Brogan Hayes, with assistance from Lucy and Gabby Partridge for organising this fundraising competition for NENA. NENA in conjunction with Dorset Council, provided data and information for a grant application under the Australian Government’s Play Your Way program. This grant applied for funding to upgrade the Bridport Netball Courts, undertake safety improvements to the Derby Netball Courts, and build a third court at Scottsdale along with court resurfacing. At the time of this report, the application has made it to the second round of assessment, with notification of successful applicants expected in the coming weeks. To my fellow Board Members, your dedication to netball in the North East during the past year is commended. Thanks for volunteering many hours of your time to ensure that NENA had a functioning netball season and being so positive and always finding a reasonable solution to any challenges faced. As part of the Play Your Way grant application, Netball Tasmania provided a letter of support and I want to share the following excerpt “Netball Tasmania has a great level of trust and confidence in the way in which NENA governs and runs their association and respective competitions. From our perspective we would strongly suggest that they are one of the best run sporting associations in Tasmania.” This comment is because of your commitment to netball in the north east, along with the commitment of all Club volunteers and members – so well done and thank you! Looking towards 2025 – NENA will be faced with new challenges, including supporting Clubs to have healthy participation numbers, boost the interest in junior development and statewide carnival attendance and continue to improve processes and procedures. I wish the Board and all NENA Clubs every success in 2025. Sarah Forsyth | President | 24 February 2025