Today I was honoured to be formally announced as the patron of the Southern Tasmanian Netball Association’s celebrations marking 50 years at the Creek Road Netball Centre in New Town.
From humble beginnings in 1965 when sandbags were used to prop up the goalposts and the Winter roster was run out of a caravan, the centre, also known as Aurora Sports Stadium, is now considered international class.
From 26 July, Scotland will use the stadium as its training base for the Netball World Cup, which Sydney is hosting from 7 – 16 August.
The STNA is continually expanding competition for all ages at Creek Road with ten affiliated netball clubs and 204 teams in 2015, as well as schools using the courts.
The Association also facilitates a number of other sporting and community activities at the stadium, which is home to the Hobart Chargers basketball team and is used for roller derby, martial arts, futsal and markets, attracting around 10,000 people through the doors every week.
It is a privilege to be involved with an organisation and a sport that promotes community spirit, camaraderie and fitness.
A number of events will be held to mark the 50th anniversary in 2015, kicking off with a concert on Saturday 14 February from 8pm at the stadium, headlined by Tasmania’s favourite country-rock band, The Wolfe Brothers.
For more information or to book tickets to the concert go to the Southern Tasmanian Netball Association’s website – www.stna.asn.au
Elise Archer, Speaker of the House of Assembly
