The 2024 netball season officially kicked off on Saturday, 26 April in great company, with new president Michelle Gregory, former president Rhonda Beedles and lifetime member Karon Dawson at courtside. 

(Dawson started the Kiama Netball Association with Val Brunker in 1986. Unfortunately, Val couldn’t attend the President’s round as she wasn’t feeling well). 

Together, these women: Brunker, Dawson, Beedles and Gregory, represent close to 40 years of local netball. 

The three present for the President’s Round share their thoughts about the sport – the past, the present and the future. 

“I’ve been here from day 1,” Dawson says. “We’ve had stability over 40 years.” 

The association has been fortunate in having three wonderful presidents, she stresses.

“Val laid the groundwork. It was really lucky that Rhonda took over and grew this further. The NSW government added a lot of restrictions and regulations. Rhonda helped us to become a member of the South Coast Blaze, which plays in the premier league in Sydney. She was instrumental in that. Michelle has newly taken over, and already put through some innovative things.”  

Outgoing president Rhonda Beedles held the office for nine years. Before that, she had 23 years on the committee and was involved with her club for seven years. 

“My oldest one asked to play. The coach asked if I could manage. I started coaching and then got an admin role in the association,” she says. “I’m one of those people who like to help. It’s much more to volunteering - not just work. It’s a lot of fun.”

She’s been president for nine years.

“It’s great to have a new president taking over the reins. Taking over social media and all those aspects. We have to modernise. Keep up with the times.”

What is new president Michelle Gregory looking forward to? 

“That’s a big question,” she says with a smile. “Just getting the girls back on the court and having fun.”

Gregory’s been in Kiama for seven years and became involved with the local netball community when she started as a registrar. “I love the sport. My daughter loves the sport,” she says.