Netball Australia was originally founded in1927 as theAll Australia Women's Basket Ball Association. In 1970, after "women's basket ball" became known asnetball, the organisation changed its name to theAll Australia Netball Association. It adopted its current name in 1993.
Netball Australia was founded on 26/27 August1927 as theAll Australia Women's Basket Ball Association during an interstate women's basketball carnival. Its founding members included the Sydney City Girls' Amateur Sports Association (New South Wales), the Australian Ladies Basket Ball Association (Queensland), the South Australian Women's Basket Ball Association (South Australia), the Melbourne Girls Basket Ball Association (Victoria) and the Basket Ball Association of Perth (Western Australia).Tasmania began competing in national tournaments in 1933. TheAustralian Capital Territory andNorthern Territory joined in 1975 and 1977 respectively. In 1970, after "women's basket ball" became known asnetball, the organisation changed its name to theAll Australia Netball Association. It adopted its current name in 1993.[2][3][4]
Amid a funding crisis where Netball Australia lostA$7 million over twoCOVID-impacted years,[5] in 2022 the organisation announced that it had securedHancock Prospecting as high performance program partner from 2022 to 2025, with an investment ofA$15 million over four years. Netball Australia announced that Hancock would invest directly in theDiamonds’ athletes and coaches, and provide funding support for training camps and competitions.[6] The Diamonds team was photographed in uniform bearing the Hancock Prospecting logo. It was later revealed that some players did not support Hancock Prospecting as a sponsor due to historical comments made by the company's founder,Lang Hancock on indigenous issues and the company's record on environmental issues.[7][8][9] The controversy led to the resignation of Netball Australia Chair, Marina Go, citing personal reasons;[5][8] and the Diamonds refused to wear the sports uniform with Hancock Prospecting logo.[9] Within a month of announcing the sponsorship deal, Hancock Prospecting withdrew their offer, saying it did not wish to add to netball's “disunity problems”.[10] Hancock offered Netball Australia short-term funding until such time as a more permanent arrangement could be secured.[11][12]
Dr Eve Fesl First Nations Black Swans Award, established 2024, in honour ofEve Fesl; recognises a First Nations national team player who has "demonstrated high standards of integrity and high-performance behaviours, as well as significant cultural leadership";sponsored by the Confident Girls Foundation[26]
ANPA Heart of the Game Award, established 2024; recognises an SSN player "who embodies the spirit of the Australian Netball Association’s manifesto demonstrating exceptional commitment to netball, personal growth, community impact and positive influence"[26]
Australia
