WHEN Jo Simon became President at Bowra Netball Club nine months ago, she walked into a club that literally had no equipment.

“I took on the role in March with the vision to build this little club up.

“Having a supportive committee, we went to town.

“All they possessed were their netball dresses, which is a requirement to play in the Saturday morning competition at Macksville each week.

“The dresses are absolutely lovely and were designed by a local Aboriginal family and are just beautiful.”

The Club didn’t even have a ball or set of bibs.

“So we approached the local businesses and they helped us out.”

An early win was a donation from Bowraville RSL who donated $1,000.

Bowraville Junior Rugby League Club donated their Rebel Sport credits which can be traded for equipment.

Local businesses have also rallied to the cause by running raffles to raise money.

“We couldn’t be more appreciative.

“We now have training equipment, fitness equipment and first aid boxes on standby.”

Another boost is Nambucca Valley Council’s response to the Club’s request to fix the lighting at Bowra Courts where they train.

“The lights used to go off halfway through our season, which meant we couldn’t train.

“We used to put the car lights on to light the courts.

“But the Council came down and put in new wiring, so we can play right through.

“We are so grateful to Jaanymili Bawrrungga corporation, and to Penny Stadhams who provided us with a bus which I use to take the children to the courts in Macksville each week, some of the players having no transport to get there.”

Registering 30 players this season, the Club has formed three teams.

The teams have been given local Aboriginal animal names.

The Bowra Dunggiirr (koala’s) for the seven-to-eight-year-olds are coached by Terryn Truscott, the Bowra Bamay (possums) for Junior B players are coached by Virginia Jarrett and the Bowra Mujaays (echidnas) of Junior A Division players are coached by Jo Simon.

“We’re encouraging mentorship, with the older children coaching the younger ones to bring them on.”

The Club now has a shield that they present to ‘Club Person of the Year’ – The Mardi Walker Memorial Shield.

Mardi was an avid supporter of the Bowra Club and the Walker family made the inaugural presentation of their memorial shield to this year’s winner, Maya Jarrett.

There’s a real feeling of a fresh start in the club, but Jo’s not stopping there.

“The next thing is to get a shoe pool so the kids can all have proper shoes,” she said.

 

By Andrea FERRARI