LEONGATHA and District Netball Association (LDNA) celebrated 60 years on May 17 and 18. Saturday’s usual round of netball was watched by a large crowd of spectators.
At present LDNA has ten clubs, 62 teams plus Net-Set-Go and All Abilities, and close to 600 registered players. A great display of memorabilia in the club rooms revived memories of past netball events.
Later that evening two hundred people were seated for the celebration dinner held at the Leongatha Grandstand Function Rooms. Guests were treated to amazing and abundant food catered by Brett Kuhne – Food and Event Gippsland.
Wal Washfold, a life member of Mirboo North Netball Club and a past vice president of LDNA was the M.C. for the evening.
Fellow life member Maria Evison welcomed everyone present at the beginning of the evening and thanked the major sponsors including Evans Petroleum Gippsland, Nutrien Harcourts Leongatha – Kellie Thomas, Leongatha R.S.L. – Ricky McNaughton, N.A.B. Leongatha – Catherine Spradbury, Handley Funeral Services, Jenny Nation, M & M Paving – Mileto Family, Food and Event Gippsland – Brett Kuhne and Leongatha Football Netball Club, as well as supporting sponsors Gippsland Jersey, R. & M. Evison and Thorntons Bakery.
Special guests included: South Gippsland Shire Council Mayor John Schelling, Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath M.P., Judi Buhagiar – Netball Victoria, and former LDNA netballer and guest speaker Lyndell Bruce.
LDNA life member Noreen Williams shared memories of years gone by and proposed a toast to the past whilst special achievements during the past ten years were presented by life member Philomena Smith to Taylah Brown, James Bruce, Liam Jones, Zac Mabilia, Gemma Meadley, and Leonnie McCluskey. Nine ladies previously acknowledged, who were all present, were also introduced and congratulated.
In 2015 Barb Challis, Brenda Hocken, Kerri Palmer and Narelle Polato were the recipients of recognition awards for dedicated service to the LDNA Association.
Life memberships were awarded to Maria Evision in 2015 and Coral Johnston in 2019 for their longtime contribution to the Association.
A ten-year addition to the 50-yearbook was collated by the 60-Year Committee with the committee thanking the clubs and individuals who made information available and assisted in many ways.
“Special thanks to the typesetter Heather Gregg for her invaluable advice and encouragement. We encourage you to purchase a copy of this 60-year history of our association at $25 per book.”
Lyndell Bruce, a true grass roots member of LDNA was the guest speaker. She gave a most enjoyable, informative and poignant presentation. Lyndell is currently an Accredited Sports Scientist working at Deakin University, teaching and completing research within Sports Science.
“We thank Lyndell, everyone at LDNA is extremely proud of her achievements and wishes her every success for the future.”
Emma Smith, president of LDNA thanked the 60 Year Committee for their many months of hard work. She then acknowledged the renaming of Court Four to be known as the Pat Kuhne Court on Grand Final Day, 2024.
Emma then made a surprise presentation of life membership to Vicki Neal recognising thirty years of involvement with the fundraising committee referred to as the Deb Ball Committee. Vicki, a quiet achiever, spent 10 years as a trainer, 16 years as treasurer and six years as secretary. Congratulations Vicki, well-deserved recognition.
The anniversary cake was then cut by all the life members, Noreen, Yvonne, Shirleyanne, Maria, Philomena, Vicki, Coral and Pat.
Maria Evison noted a vote of thanks to the major and supporting sponsors, as well as Food and Event – Brett Kuhne and Staff, LDNA Executive Committee for their support, all the clubs, Michaels IGA, Cheryle Thorson, Ken and Glen Reid, Morgan Fisher Photography, Shelley Williams, Kaylene Morter, S.G. Sentinel Times, L.F.N.C. – Christine Mackie, Daryl McGannon, Marj Barter, and the bar staff.
A toast to the future, Pat Kuhne recalled LDNA’s journey from the Inaugural Meeting on February 21, 1966. Four people who attended that meeting attended last Saturday, Mary Carter, Rosemary Brooks, Marg Turra and Pat Kuhne.
“Thanks to the many people who have contributed to making the last sixty years successful.”
The Twilight Competition continues to run successfully after 45 years whilst the All Abilities competition has been taking leaps and bounds since 2015.
LDNA acknowledged without the clubs there would be no association and thanked their hardworking executives, noting they “are very much appreciated”.
Gippsland Region – Twelve State Distinction Award winners also joined the festivities last Saturday alongside 16 presidents past and present who have given 42 years of service to LDNA.
“We are a netball family sharing a special bond, the premierships and the awards are insignificant compared with the strength of the friendships we have formed over the past sixty years.
“We leave a great legacy, LDNA is in good hands. Please join in for A Toast to the Future,” Pat said.
On Sunday LDNA had some Net-Set-Go and Walking Netball.
“Although a smaller crowd than we anticipated those present enjoyed morning tea and a BBQ lunch sponsored by the Leongatha R.S.L.
“Everyone enjoyed the celebrations and we look forward to continued success for the Leongatha and District Netball Association.”
