This digital timeline was compiled with reference to several key sources. ;xNLx;;xNLx;The posters created by former HDNA president, Barbara Wood, with assistance from Mary Andreaza & Edna Wardrop, were a key source of information for this timeline. These posters are titled 'A History of the Hills District Netball Association,' and provided a pivotal source for many of the photos and dates used in this digital project.;xNLx;;xNLx;Moreover, the texts '60 Years of Netball in New South Wales' and 'Celebrating 80 Years, Netball NSW 1929-2009' were instrumental sources which informed this timeline.;xNLx;;xNLx;A special thanks to Lyn Burgess for her time in helping to devise this project.
Mr Edgar Dill, Headmaster of Beecroft Primary School and President of Pennant Hills Rotary Club, perceived the need for Saturday morning sport for girls. He convened a meeting of interested parents and teachers at Beecroft Primary School to form an organising committee for a women's basketball competition. The first competition consisted of teams from local primary schools, from Cheltenham to Normanhurst.
Across these years, the competition saw a steady increase in interest and enthusiasm. Teams from Beecroft Sports Club, Cheltenham, Castle Hill, Hornsby and Asquith High Schools were involved. Games were played on the two asphalt courts at Beecroft Primary, two dirt courts at Cheltenham reserve, one grass court at Cheltenham kindergarten, and Hornsby Girls High School. The inclusion of teams from Pennant Hills Sports Club, Thornleigh Sports Club, and two additional high schools - Mount St Benedict and Pennant Hills High - contributed to the growing participation. Games took place on 20 courts over nine different locations. Finals were played at Cheltenham Reserve.
The Hills District Women's Basketball Association was formed in 1968. At the time of formation, there were 16 clubs, and nearly 1000 participants every Saturday morning.
In July 1968, a public meeting was called by Hornsby Shire Council to consider the formation of a Hornsby/Kuring-gai Women’s Basketball Association to organise and run womens basketball at the Pennant Hills Centre, which was then under construction. Beth Blackshaw, the Association's first President, addressed this meeting, and consequently, the HDWBBA was recognised and given playing rights to the new centre, subject to an annual application.
The HDWBBA applied for affiliation with the state body, the New South Wales Womens Basketball Association. Affiliation was granted within a year of the application.
The NSW Womens Basketball Association became the NSW Womens Netball Association.
The first representative team of the association was formed, and was entered in the 15 years division at the State Age Championships.
The competition was extended into Saturday afternoons to include senior teams. As a result, registrations increased from 1156 to 1618.
Games at the Pennant Hills Centre continued to be run from a couple of tables underneath a tree. Association Treasurer, Elva Dyer, organised for $1000 to be sent to Hornsby Council to be put towards the building of an amenities block.
An encouragement badge for beginner umpires, called the Hills Cloth Badge, was introduced.
The amenities block was completed and was immediately put to use.
Coolong Courts, administered by Castle Hill Sport and Recreation Club, was accepted as another venue to help accommodate the growing participation.
The HDNA banner was designed and made at a cost of $87.50.
A new association constitution was drawn up and approved by the state body.
Hills conducted the first Coca Cola Championships, which involved the leading 15-year-old teams from district associations competing for a trip to New Zealand for the World Tournament.
Hills players competing in games in 1976.
Players from various clubs competing at Hills in 1977.
Negotiations began with Hornsby Council for additional courts. A petition was presented to the council, which had been signed by over 1000 players in support of additional courts.
The New Zealand national team is hosted by Hills as part of the celebrations for the golden jubilee of Australian netball. The NZ team played a game against the NSW state team.
Players competing at Hills in 1978.
Court lights were installed at Pennant Hills on six courts.
The campaign committee submitted plans and proposals to Hornsby Council for additional courts and alterations to amenities block.
In response to club requests, Spring Night Competition was launched.
Additional courts were built at the Pennant Hills Centre. In 1983, due to the additional courts, the competition ceased using Coolong Courts and instead was conducted at Pennant Hills and Cheltenham.
Dianne Heron achieves her AA umpiring badge at the National Championships.
New uniforms were introduced for the executives and representative teams.
After 10 years of negotiations, building extensions commenced.
Extensions to the administration centre/control were completed. A reunion was held which brought together all those who had been involved in bringing these building extensions to fruition.
The association's 25th anniversary was celebrated. Past members returned for a wonderful afternoon of celebrations. Everyone enjoyed watching a skit composed by Dianne Heron, one of the association's AA umpires, which was acted out by past executive team members.
Melissa Adams is awarded her AA umpiring badge. She goes on to umpire for CBT and ANZ games for several years.
Cath Cox, a Hills District player, made her debut for the Australian Diamonds against South Africa in June 1997 at the age of 21. After her debut, she went on to amass 108 test caps and captained the Diamonds on several occasions. In 2004 and 2005, she was named the Australian International Player of the Year.
At the time it was instated, the Australian Sports Medal was presented to Australian individuals "who had contributed to sporting excellence in Australia, including those who provided service and support for grass roots sport."
With the aid of a government grant, construction began on the indoor court.
The dream of an indoor court came to fruition in February 2001 with the opening of the Millenium Court by John Watkins, then Minister of Sport and Recreation. This achievement was largely due to the persistence and vision of Treasurer, Fran Macri, and President, Lyn Burgess.
Lyn Burgess was presented with the Centenary Medal for service to the community, particularly through netball.
The Anne Clark Service award is awarded to individuals who demonstrate "significant contribution to the development of netball at an Association level and has given at least ten (10) years outstanding service to netball."
The Anne Clark Service award is awarded to individuals who demonstrate "significant contribution to the development of netball at an Association level and has given at least ten (10) years outstanding service to netball."
Lyn Burgess received an OAM in the Queen’s Birthday Awards for Services to Netball and her service in several local organisations.
Hills celebrated their 40th anniversary with a cocktail party attended by 100 past and present members. Attendees included all previous presidents as well as several of the first executive members.
Five netball courts at Pennant Hills are reconstructed, and a concrete terrace viewing area is built for spectators.
The Netball NSW Waratah Service Award is presented to one individual each year who demonstrates "distinguished service to Netball NSW in the capacity of an organisational or operational volunteer for at least ten years." Since its inception in 2012, the award has been widely recognised by the NSW netball community as one of the highest forms of acknowledgement from the State Body. Source: Netball NSW.
The association's 50th anniversary was celebrated, including a celebratory afternoon tea.
Cath Cox was inducted as a Member of the Order of Australia for her significant service to netball in 2022. Cath started her netballing career as a Hills District junior, where she went on to represent NSW in 17U, 19U and Opens divisions. She played over 250 national league matches across the Commonwealth Bank Trophy and ANZ Championship. She also had a decorated international career, with 108 test caps for the Australian Diamonds.
The official opening of the newly resurfaced Courts 1 and 2 was held on Saturday, 18 May 2024.
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