One of Netball Queensland’s leading regional communities has capped a remarkable year with a prestigious award.
Affectionately known as ‘Bilo’, Biloela Netball Association (BNA) has been named the Queensland Club of the Year in the 2020 Good Sports Awards.
The Good Sports Awards are the ultimate trophy for any Good Sports community club, paying tribute to the heart and soul of local sporting clubs – no matter their size or sporting code.
They recognise the dedicated people who are passionate about their community and strive every day to make their club the very best it can be.
BNA President Shari Hancox said the award represented the hard work of the entire committee during the COVID enforced break.
“The additional time we all seemed to have on our hands provided the opportunity to review our policies and procedures and provide creative solutions for local challenges,” Hancox said.
“The Good Sports framework provided the resources and support our Association needed to comprehensively consider areas we had not previously worked on.”
“We are especially proud of the new inclusion and mental wellbeing strategies we have implemented.”
Biloela has shown impressive growth in its membership base across all age groups, with total registrations increasing by almost 200% from 2018- 2020.
They have also established a comprehensive framework to develop and retain local umpires and coaches, with nine National C Badge umpiring accreditations, and several Biloela coaches achieving Foundation, Development and Intermediate level coaching accreditations across that same period.
The Good Sport Award win also follows Bilo’s recent Australia Day Community Group honour from the Banana Shire, for their leadership within the sport of netball and ability to face challenges and innovate.
Netball Queensland General Manager – Delivery Network, Melissa Bennett, said the recognition was just reward for BNA’s resilience.
“Bilo weathered the challenges of 2020 in an incredibly admirable fashion, continually putting their members, and their broader community first throughout an unpredictable year,” Bennett said.
“Their determination to return to the court showcased the significance of netball within their community and this award acknowledges the tireless work of all those who make the game possible in their region.”
“We are proud to call Bilo a member of our Netball Queensland family and congratulate them on these well-deserved honours.”
For more information about the great work of Biloela Netball Association, visit their Facebook Page (facebook.com/Biloela-Netball-Association) or website (www.biloela.netball.qld.com.au).
