New look Nelson Bay netball committee building pathways to success

NELSON Bay Netball Association’s enterprising new committee has hit the ground running in anticipation of an action-packed 2026 season.

Under the guidance of president-elect Ashleigh Martin and secretary Sarah Johnson and a band of tireless officials, the association’s new look executives are ready to lead, inspire and keep the Nelson Bay netball family thriving.

An excited Martin told News Of The Area that the revamped committee have been working hard behind the scenes in preparation for a hectic campaign of domestic competition, grassroots development and representative netball.

“We are a bunch of local volunteers just wanting to give something back to a sport we all love,” said Ashleigh, who takes the reins from Nelson Bay Netball Association (NBNA) stalwart Rebecca Keating.

“As we enter a new chapter of NBNA the committee are eager to reach out to families and trumpet the positives of community sport,” she revealed.

In a huge fillip, the association’s Come and Play Day last weekend in conjunction with Netball NSW attracted close to 40 junior hopefuls keen to participate in the Net Set Go program.

Helping officials on the day at the Tomaree Sports Complex courts at Salamander Bay were Netball NSW Development Officer Isla Smith plus a host of talented youngsters from the association’s burgeoning nursery.

NBNA have commenced their Wednesday night Senior Ladies competition and are gearing up for an intensive 10-week schedule for their junior representative squads.

The association’s 12yrs, 13yrs, 15yrs, 17yrs and Senior Opens rep teams have started training in preparation for this year’s Junior and Senior State Netball Championships in Sydney later this year.

In the lead up to the State titles, Nelson Bay will participate in a range of Junior Representative carnivals at Charlestown on Sunday 1 March; Cessnock on 22 March; Maitland on 19 April; Singleton on 24 May and Kurri Kurri on 14 June.

Stepping into Nelson Bay’s Representative Convenor role in 2026 is accomplished official, player and coach Michelle Weber.

As well as co-ordinating the association’s representative program, a dedicated Michelle will juggle her convenor commitments by managing the Bay’s 15yrs representative squad.

‘She brings great energy, fresh ideas and a passion for supporting our community,” quipped Martin, who has donned the Nelson Bay colours at Opens level with aplomb.

“We’re looking forward to the positive impact Michelle will make and the connections she’ll help strengthen across NBNA” Ashleigh added.

Nelson Bay’s representative coaching panel for 2026 includes Linda Jones and manager Nicole Brady (Opens); Amanda Wilks and Taylar Wilks and manager Michelle Chadwick (17yrs and 13yrs); Fiona McGrath and manager Michelle Weber (15yrs) plus Taylah Whitty and Kerry Whitty and manager Tahlia Brien (12 yrs).

Other officials on NBNA’s new look executive include vice president Kate Barnett, treasurer Megan Scott and Competitions Convenor Rachel Hunt.

By Chris KARAS