By Cassandra Pulver

With Australia winning its third straight Netball World Cup, now is the perfect time to showcase what is happening in the name of netball, on a local level.

In June, Treasurer Curtis Pitt announced the state’s Budget will include funding for a $30 million brand new eight court indoor netball centre to be built at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) at Nathan.  Netball Queensland CE Catherine Clark said “this announcement represents a watershed commitment to women’s sport.  Netball is the premier sport for women and girls in Queensland and the facility is a long time overdue.” 

Not only is this new facility in the pipeline, closer to home the Cairns Martyn St courts are about to be upgraded.  “This is exciting news, as DNA are often involved in carnivals at the venue.  Fowlers Group Carnival was recently held there with many junior teams from DNA attending.  The extra courts, including a [potential] undercover court, will be very beneficial,” said Eryn Harold from DNA senior A division.

With the Douglas Dolphins recent win at the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games, there is little wonder why the energy surrounding the sport is high and the DNA is excited.

The Great Barrier Reef Masters Games are held biannually in Cairns. They will be held on the Gold Coast in 2016, and Douglas plan to take a team down for it.
“Our team was playing in the over 30 competitive division, consisting of players from 3 different teams in the “Port Douglas" senior A division.”

“DNA members also attended a clinic late last year with Laura Geitz at the Martyn St courts. The upgrade at Nathan is fantastic news for Netball Queensland as the Queensland Firebirds will now have a permanent training venue. The firebirds regional clinics have been successful this year with Port Douglas hosting a clinic with Beryl Friday and Laura Clemesha. Very inspirational for our junior players who one day strive to play for Queensland.”

“Douglas netball has been busy this year with Sharon Beechey being appointed as the Marlin Coast  coach. This team represents the far north region (Cairns and surrounds) in the Mission State League, with games being held in Brisbane, Townsville and a home game in Cairns.” commented Eryn.

Pre-season training began in January with three DNA players selected in the squad Kristin Ramsey, Lisa Brown, and Eryn Harold. Lana Baxter was also called up for the final Marlins game in Brisbane, who at only 15 has a bright future in netball. 
Another DNA junior Keely Harold (14yrs) will hit the courts in Cairns this Saturday to trial in front of Brisbane state selectors as part of Netball Queensland’s Regional Academy program.

“DNA is wrapping up it's season with junior and senior finals in the coming two weeks. We are also hosting a junior carnival this Sunday with teams traveling from Cairns and surrounding districts,” advised Eryn.

The annual Junior Carnival is this Sunday at Port Courts starting around 8:15am and finishing about 5pm.