TO say the reopening of the netball courts is exciting would be an understatement, according to Broken Hill Netball Association life member and treasurer Leah Carr.
The reopening of the netball courts will see the netball season start on August 5 after a 12 to 18-month hiatus.
“It has been very relaxing and very quiet,” Ms Carr said.
“I’ve wondered if I am going to retire or not and to my husband’s disgust, I don’t think I am.
“I think I was very lost (without netball).”
Ms Carr has been involved in the association for over 30 years.
She’s an umpire and has been doing so since 2011, as well as the treasurer, registrar and publicity officer.
“I’d like to play but I don’t think my bones are going to allow me,” she said.
Ms Carr said lots of locals are excited to have the courts open again.
“Everybody’s been contacting us asking for the details, when it’s opening, when season is starting,” she said.
“They are excited, obviously. The social media pages are going crazy at the moment and it’s starting to ramp up even further.”
The open day got underway from 11am on Sunday with presentations of life memberships, games of netball, sausage sizzle and donuts made by the 3rd Sea Scouts.
“(Association members) Leanne McManus and Tori and all the other committee members have been fantastic in the development,” Ms Carr said.
“They have supported the whole association to get this up and running.”
After all the formalities of the day, association president Tori McManus said she was speechless to see the day finally arrive.
“I think there’s probably a better word than excited and absolutely fantastic, but, you know, it’s just speechless a little bit, to be honest,” she said.
Ms McManus, who has been playing netball since she was a young girl, never thought she would see the day when there wasn’t bitumised courts.
“They’re state of the art; they’re to international and Australian netball standards. So, I think our girls are very lucky,” she said.
Ms McManus said the opening was a great day and she was appreciative of all who attended.
“There were that many people that were excited for netball to come back,” she said.
“Thank you to everyone that was a part of the project. We wouldn’t be here today without these amazing courts.
“They are fantastic, and we can’t wait to get back out on them.”
Guests enjoyed an exhibition game between the Broken Hill representative team and the Jesters.
Life members who were recognised included Tracy Herlihy, Stacey Burns, Tina McLaren, Stacey Ferguson and Kelli Morris.
One of the original board members of the Netball Association, Marie Baldwin, cut the ribbon with Broken Hill City Council Mayor Cr Tom Kennedy.
Mrs Baldwin was the first on the courts.
