Our Story
The Illawarra District Netball Association has a proud history of providing competitive and social netball opportunities for players, coaches and umpires of all ages and abilities. We are an inclusive community that welcomes everyone who wants to be part of the game.
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Built on values of friendship, teamwork, respect and community spirit, our Association thrives because of the dedication of our volunteers and Life Members. Their ongoing commitment and passion have shaped netball in the Illawarra and continue to strengthen our organisation today.
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Since our formation, Illawarra Netball has delivered outstanding service to our region and the State, contributing talented players to NSW pathways and creating opportunities for individuals to reach their potential. Our continued growth is a testament to those who have worked tirelessly to ensure netball remains a strong, positive force within the Illawarra community.
Start Strong. Go Further.
Championing netball journeys from grassroots to elite levels.
Our
History
Get to Know Us
The Illawarra District Netball Association has a proud and enduring history that dates back to the early 1940s. Originally formed as the Illawarra Women’s Basketball Association in 1942, the organisation was led by inaugural President Sid Hayes and Secretary Norma Glover. Saturday afternoon basketball had already begun locally around 1939, inspired by Norma’s exposure to women’s basketball competitions in Sydney. From just six senior teams at its inception, the Association experienced rapid growth, expanding to 24 teams by the end of the decade.
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Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, participation continued to flourish. In 1951, Illawarra teams proudly took part in the Wollongong Jubilee of Federation celebrations, and by 1954 formal registration fees were introduced. The Association reached another milestone in 1956–57 when two women’s teams were invited to join the newly formed men’s basketball competition. Under the presidency of Val Curran from 1959, the Association grew to 63 teams, and the introduction of junior competitions in 1960 further cemented netball’s place in the region. By the late 1960s, Illawarra boasted 45 junior teams and an impressive 148 senior teams, with games played across numerous grounds and supported by a growing umpiring community.
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The 1960s and 1970s marked significant structural and club development. Berkeley, Corrimal, and Dapto Netball Clubs were established, followed by Shellharbour, Wests, Woonona, Fairy Meadow, and Northern Suburbs in the years that followed. As facilities evolved, competition venues were consolidated into key multi-court locations, including Guest Park, Fred Finch Park, and Corrimal. In 1971, reflecting the evolution of the sport, the Association officially became known as the Illawarra District Netball Association. The decade also saw increased infrastructure investment, expanded training facilities, and progressive changes such as men becoming eligible for umpire badging by the end of the 1970s.
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By the close of the 1970s, IDNA had eight affiliated clubs, modernised facilities, and participation across junior, intermediate, and senior divisions. The 1980s brought further innovation with the introduction of night and summer competitions, and in 1984 the Val Curran Centre was officially opened—recognising the extraordinary contribution of one of Illawarra netball’s most influential leaders. Major sponsorships followed, strengthening the Association’s future and profile.
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The opening of the Illawarra Sports Stadium in 1992 marked a new era, becoming the home of indoor netball competitions from 1993 onward. In recognition of her lifelong service to sport, Val Curran was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) and an Australian Sports Medal in 2000. That same year Val Curran, Myra Bradley, Clare Lear, Joy Charles and Val Oliver were honoured with Commonwealth Sports Encouragement Awards, celebrating the dedication and passion that continue to define netball in the Illawarra today.