Netball Queensland’s (NQ) board has endorsed the establishment of the Hall of Fame, which will be celebrated with an inaugural induction as part of the 2024 Queensland Firebirds Awards in August.
From world champion athletes, premiership-winning coaches and trailblazing administrators, the Hall of Fame has been established to laud those who have made an impact on netball at the very highest levels.
“As the leading female sport in the state for almost a century it makes sense for netball in Queensland to have a Hall of Fame,” NQ Chief Executive Officer Kate Davies said.
“This is not only overdue, but it is a necessary step in ensuring we recognise those individuals who have played vital roles in ensuring our sport is where it is today.”
Nominations for the inaugural induction of the Hall of Fame are open now until May 10 and anyone can nominate a candidate for consideration.
To be eligible for nomination athlete members must meet the following criteria:
- Have represented Queensland at Open level (i.e. Suncorp Super Netball or equivalent).
- Be well respected by their peers.
- Shall not be considered until four (4) years have lapsed following retirement from Queensland Open level netball.
- The degree of difficulty for a Nominee to have attained Queensland Open selection and ongoing representation is to be considered.
- In addition to a Nominee’s individual sporting achievements, that person’s integrity, sportsmanship, and character are to be considered.
To be eligible for nomination, general members must have achieved exceptional achievement from personal effort or initiative, in a field of endeavour that contributes to the performance of athletes in high-performance netball at Queensland level including but not limited to coaching, administration, officiating or netball operations.
NQ’s History and Traditions Advisory Group will evaluate nominations against the eligibility criteria for potential induction into the Queensland Netball Hall of Fame.
Nominations that the NQ History and Traditions Advisory Group deem to have met the eligibility criteria shall be put forward to the NQ Board for endorsement.
NQ will notify successful nominees.
“Netball Queensland have decided – after a bit of a while – to have a Hall of Fame and I think that’s just awesome news,” iconic sports broadcaster Pat Welsh said when announcing the Hall of Fame formation.
“I’ve been lucky enough to host the Sport Queensland Awards for the best part of a quarter of a century and I’ve always noticed that the very best of our athletes, who have been honoured with Hall of Fame or Legends status, are really touched that their state is doing something for them.
“These are guys and girls that have gone to the absolute pinnacle, often at Olympic Games or international sport, but to come back and see that their state wants to say ‘hey, you’re bloody good and you’re special to us’ – I think this is a wonderful idea.”
For more information head to the Hall of Fame page on the NQ website here and submit a nomination by Friday 10 May.
