Pat Medlend

FOUNDING MEMBER | INAUGURAL PRESIDENT | LIFE MEMBER

Few people have shaped the history of Broome Netball Association as profoundly as Pat Medlend.

In 1977, Pat, alongside her committee of dedicated netballers, helped establish and officially inaugurate Broome Netball Association, laying the foundations for what would become an important part of the Broome sporting community.

As the Association's inaugural President, Pat held the position for an extraordinary 20 years, from 1977 to 1997. Her leadership, commitment and determination helped guide BNA through its formative years, building a competition and creating opportunities for local players to participate in the sport.

In those early days, netball looked very different. Competition began on a single court at the Catholic Church, with support from Father Mac, before the Association relocated to the old Tourist Bureau site in the early 1980s. What started as a small community competition would continue to grow into the thriving Association we know today.

Pat's contribution also extended onto the court. In 1984, she coached Broome's representative team to a Kimberley Netball Championship victory, defeating Wyndham 37–33 in the grand final. Her involvement in developing and supporting representative netball demonstrated her commitment to creating opportunities for Broome players beyond the local competition.

Her contribution to local sport was further recognised through the Broome Sports Association, receiving the 1986 Broome Sports Star of the Year award for netball.

As a BNA Life Member, Pat holds a special place in the Association's history. Her vision, leadership and dedication helped establish an organisation that has continued to provide opportunities for generations of players, coaches, umpires, officials and volunteers.

From one court in 1977 to the thriving Association of today, Pat Medlend's legacy is woven into the very foundations of Broome Netball Association. Without the commitment of Pat and those early volunteers, our story may have looked very different.

As BNA celebrates 50 years in 2027, we proudly acknowledge Pat Medlend as one of the people who made it all possible.

Five decades of players. Five decades of volunteers. Five decades of community.

Beverley Blake

A valued part of our history. A lasting part of our legacy.

Broome Netball Association proudly acknowledges Beverley Blake as a Life Member and recognises her place in the history of our Association.

Life Membership is one of the highest honours bestowed by BNA, recognising individuals whose contribution, commitment and dedication have helped shape our Association and strengthen the Broome netball community.

As we reflect on five decades of netball in Broome, we recognise the many people who have given their time, energy and passion to ensure our sport continues to grow. Beverley is among those whose contribution forms part of the foundations on which today's Association stands.

The legacy of community sport is built not by one person alone, but by generations of people who give their time, support others and create opportunities for those who follow.

Beverley's recognition as a Life Member ensures her place within the story of Broome Netball Association is acknowledged and celebrated.

With gratitude, we honour Beverley Blake for her place in our Association's history and thank her for being part of the journey that has brought BNA to 50 years.

1977 – 2027 | Celebrating 50 Years of Broome Netball Association

Denise Bainbridge

Denise Bainbridge for Life Membership of the Broome Netball Association (BNA) in recognition of her outstanding contribution over more than 10 years as a player, administrator, coach, umpire and leader.

We first saw Denise at the courts in 2009 when she joined the Towns Netball Team. They were a formidable group, combining friendship, fun and fierce competition, and Denise looks back on those years fondly, having formed lifelong friendships along the way.

In 2010, Denise was elected Vice President, supporting then President Juan Johnson. During her five years in this role, she contributed to several initiatives, including bringing Nets on the Beach to Broome, inspired by NetFest on the Gold Coast.

Denise began her umpiring journey in 2011, achieving her National C Umpiring Badge at the North West Championships in Broome and being selected for the North West Region Umpiring Academy. In 2019, she achieved her National B Umpiring Badge, a significant personal accomplishment that also strengthened BNA's pool of accredited umpires. Denise has continued to volunteer at the courts, umpiring and mentoring junior officials through the Junior Umpire Development Program.

She has also coached the Division 2 team at the North West Championships in 2017 and 2019, stepping forward to fill a role that was often difficult to secure, while also undertaking umpiring duties throughout the weekends.

In 2015, Denise became President of BNA, a position she held for five years. During this time, the Association experienced significant growth and achieved Tier 1 status with Netball WA in 2019. Her leadership helped deliver important developments, including:

• Establishment of a Junior Committee.
• Transition of junior netball to Saturday mornings.
• Introduction of the club structure.
• Development of the Junior Umpire Development Program.
• Introduction of a new Constitution and revamped By-Laws.
• Appointment of a paid Association Administrator.

Denise also developed BNA's Strategic Plan, providing clear direction and long-term goals for the Association. She supported the Development Officer in establishing programs and pathways for players, coaches and umpires, helping BNA become a leading association within the North West Region.

The Junior Umpire Development Program has seen more than 10 umpires achieve their National C accreditation over three years, while the Junior Development Program continues to provide valuable opportunities through camps, weekly training and coach support.

Denise's contribution extended beyond BNA through her election to the North West Netball Region Board in 2015. In this role, she contributed to regional governance, the successful delivery of the North West Championships and support for member associations.

Her efforts have also been recognised through nominations at the Broome Sports Association Awards, including Service to Sport in 2016 and Official of the Year in 2019. In 2017, she proudly accepted the Best Club award on behalf of BNA, recognising the collective efforts of the Association.

Denise is the first to acknowledge that BNA's achievements have been a team effort. However, her leadership, commitment and support have been instrumental in shaping the Association's growth and creating opportunities for generations of players, coaches and umpires.

The Broome Netball Association would not be where it is today without Denise's dedication and contribution. Her impact extends well beyond the positions she has held, and I firmly believe she is a very deserving recipient of Life Membership.

Natasha Aristei

When I first arrived in Broome, I was keen to play every sport possible to meet people and get involved in the community. I saw an advert on the Seaview notice board that said, “wanted A grade shooter”. Not confident of my ability, I rang Elaine Rabbitt (now a past BNA President) who invited me to come down to training.

What an experience that was!! The courts were surrounded by a high cyclone mesh fence and the player with the key didn’t show. So, the girls started throwing the balls over and proceeded to climb the fence to train! That day in 1987 I met 2 other ladies (Pauline & Liz) and we all remain close friends today.

Fortunately, I had a ripper first game and the team decided to keep me.

In 1988 I was invited along to an AGM and all of a sudden, I was the Association Treasurer. Pat Medlend was the President and she made working on a committee fun. She inspired me to continue to volunteer and I remained on the committee for over 30 years in a variety of roles.

Coaching Co-ordinator and Association Development Officer were the roles I thrived in - although I did have to step into President for a short time. This was when the Pearl Coast Netball association was formed due to BNA deciding not to affiliate with the State body for a number of years. We used this PCN Association as a conduit for our junior netballers so we could continue to develop them and attend NWC where they could be TID.

Over the years there have been a number of initiatives I have been involved in including:

➢ Coordinated Jimmy Barnes major fundraiser for BNA in 1991 to build new courts,

➢ Facilitated the merger of PCNA back into BNA in 2001,

➢ Established the first Junior (teenage) comp 1997,

➢ Involvement in relocation of courts to BRAC and organisation of initial seating and shed in 2004,

➢ Established the BNA Junior Development Camp in 2009 and actively encouraged all NW Associations to use this process for their Coach/player visits and NWC junior team selections.

➢ Wrote the JDC program and coordinated the camp from 2009 to 2017.

➢ Composed the Broome Association team chant.

➢ Initiated the Cross the River Challenge (Broome Premiers v Derby Premiers) with Jane Edwards in 2013 which continues every year.

➢ Broome Sports Association Talent Program Coordinator 2017-2018 and Netball Head Coach 2010 to 2018.

➢ Developed a Covid specific park training program for Broome Bullets during 2020.

➢ Created a 40-year BNA History Book 1977 to 2017 to gift to the Association.

I have met so many amazing people through my netball journey and have a true appreciation for those who volunteer within the sporting industry. For me netball is all about creating friendships and the joy of watching young players growth and development, both as an athlete and as a person.

I love this Association so much I have even included them as a beneficiary in my will.

Awards & Recognition:

North West Netball Championships Coach of the Tournament 1994, 2011, 2014, 2015. Broome Netball Association Life Member 2006, North West Netball Region Life Member 2007, Broome Sports Awards Service to Sport 2009, Broome Sports Awards Coach/Official of the Year 2012, NWNR Volunteer of the Year 2013, NWA Volunteer of the Year 2013, All Stars Coach Award at Academy Cup 2014, Broome Netball Association Commitment to Sport Award 2015, Broome Sports Awards Volunteer of the Year 2016, BNA Most Improved Umpire 2018.

Accredited Advanced Coach and C Badge Umpire.

Player Contributions:

Played Division 1 Netball in the Broome Netball Association from 1987 to 2019 (32 years) and still playing socially. Clubs included Katz, Cactus, Bratz and Bullets. Played in 14 x Grand Finals which included 7 x Premiership teams. Played in 5 x Cross the River Challenges (Broome v Derby Premiers) of these Broome Bullets won 3. High Flyers Mixed Netball Team competed 2015 to 2020 in Division 1 and won 3 x Premierships and also won 3 x Division 1 Nets on the Beach (BNA annual competition). Represented Broome at North West Championships Div 2: 1988-1989, 1991, 1993-1996, 2001-2004. NWC Masters: 2005, 2008, 2012.

Coaching Contributions: Broome Clubs: Katz Div 3 1988, Katz Div 2 1989-1990, Katz Div 1991-1997, Pearl Coast NA 15U & 17U 1998-2000, Cactus Div 1 2000 to 2007, Bullets 12U 2006-2007, Bratz D1 2008, BPS Bumblebees 12U 2009, Bullets 14U 2010, Bullets 16U 2011, Bullets Div 3 2012, Bullets Div 1 2009-2022, Bullets 16U 2023.

Broome Association: Broome Netta 1991, Established the first Junior (teen) comp 1997, BNA Netta Coach 2002-2005, BNA Junior Development Squad Coach 2006, BNA Talent Development Program Head Coach 2010-2018, BNA Net Set Go Coach 2019-2023. BNA Coaching Co-ordinator and ADO roles as listed under Official.

Regional (North West Champs): BNA Div 3 1991 & 1993, BNA Div Premiers 1994, BNA 17U 1997, Pearl Coast Netball Association 17U 1998-1999, BNA 17U 2001-2003, BNA Div 1 2004, BNA 17U 2005-2006, BNA Div 1 2007-2008, BNA 16U 2009-2010, BNA Div 1 2011-2017 Premiers 2013-2015 & 2017, BNA 16U 2018 2019 Premiers 2019, BNA Div2 R/Ups 2021, BNA 14U 2023.

Regional (NWNR Development Camps & coaching at Youth/Academy/State Cup): Attendance as a Coach for NWNR Development Camps 2002-2019, NWNR Youth/Academy Cup Head Coach 2002 to 2007, 2012, 2014 to 2018, Mentor Coach in 2015 & 2018.

Official Contributions:

Broome: BNA Treasurer 1988-1992, NWC Div 1 Team Manager 1990 and 1992, Jimmy Barnes Fundraiser Coordinator 1991, BNA Coaching Co-ordinator 1993-1997, Pearl Coast NA President 1998-1999, Pearl Coast NA Coaching Co-ordinator 2000, BNA Coaching Coordinator 2001, BNA Association Development Officer 2002-2004 and 2010-2017, Broome North West Championships Coordinator 2004, 2008 and Assist Coordinator 2012.

North West Netball Region (representing Broome): Board Member 1997 to 2001, 2010 to 2015, Regional Development Officer 2002 to 2009, President 2016 to 2019, NWC Talent Identification Selector 2014-2018, 2020-2022.

Sponsorship & Donations:

BNA Junior & Senior Recognition Awards initiated and sponsored by Tash (Broome Plumbing & Gas) 2004 to 2021, Sponsor BNA Coach Awards 2015 to 2022, Sponsor BNA Service to Sport Award 2022, Sponsor of BNA Nets on the Beach 2015-2022, BNA Junior Development Camp Sponsor 2014-2018, Broome Bullets Netball Club major sponsor 2019 to 2023.

Juan Johnson

BNA LIFE MEMBER | NORTH WEST NETBALL LIFE MEMBER | LEADER | COACH | MENTOR

Juan Johnson has made an outstanding and longstanding contribution to the Broome Netball Association, becoming an integral part of the Association's history, development and continued success.

Throughout her years of involvement, Juan has served in significant leadership roles, including President and Vice President, helping guide the Association through its ongoing growth and development. Her commitment to the administration, organisation and delivery of community netball has helped create opportunities for generations of Broome players.

Her contribution extends well beyond committee responsibilities. Juan is also a Life Member of the North West Netball Region, recognising her wider contribution to the sport across the region.

A passionate and dedicated netballer, Juan has held multiple coaching positions at both club and representative levels. Alongside her coaching commitments, she has contributed as a C Badge Umpire, sharing her knowledge, experience and passion to develop players, coaches and officials.

Juan's willingness to help wherever needed has become a familiar part of BNA. Whether umpiring on court, assisting at the scorebench, making announcements over the microphone or helping keep competition days running smoothly, she continues to give her time and energy to the Association.

Her commitment to netball has never been limited by a position or title. From coaching and mentoring to volunteering and supporting the next generation, Juan consistently demonstrates what it means to give back to the sport.

Being awarded Life Membership of both Broome Netball Association and the North West Netball Region recognises her dedication, loyalty and significant service. Yet, despite these achievements, Juan's involvement has never stopped. She continues to turn up, lend a hand and share her experience with those coming through the ranks.

Nothing stops Juan from giving back to the sport she loves. Her passion, generosity and unwavering commitment embody the true spirit of community netball.

Broome Netball Association proudly acknowledges and thanks Juan Johnson for her outstanding service, leadership and continued contribution to our Association and the wider netball community.

Christie Milenkovic

Christie has had an active role at BNA for over 15 years. When she arrived at BNA in 2005, Christie volunteered as the records officer, quickly becoming aware of the need for development for Umpires, Players, and Coaches. She established herself in BNA's leadership team, and went and got her own accreditation, then passed this culture of accreditation and upskilling on to others.

This commitment to developing people saw Christie awarded the 'Recognition of Achievement' award at BNA in 2007. This has progressed to her having many roles within BNA since including, Vice President, Treasurer, Association Umpire Development Officer, Coach, Records Officer, Fixture Coordinator, Northwest Championships Coordinator, Net-Set-Go Coordinator, Player, and her current position as President.

Christie has been on the Executive Committee at BNA for the past 8 years and her contribution to administration and strategic planning has been profound. Yearly, she conducts a full review of the by-laws, is involved in the season planning, budgets, short- and long-term association goals and liaises with both internal and external stakeholders on a regular basis. This work has ensured that BNA has solid governance, financial stability, and a fantastic reputation within the Broome Community. She is an integral part of a dedicated professional Committee.

Other Volunteering work outside of BNA.

1. Christie is a current member of the Pearl Coast Gymnastic committee and holds the role of uniform coordinator.

2. Christie volunteers each week at Little Athletics either with timing or group assistant.

3. Over the last 10 years Christie has offered to umpire both the Kimberley Cup and V Swans netball carnival Grand Finals.

4. Over the last 10 years Christie has made herself available to travel to Derby to umpire their netball finals and run umpiring workshops in conjunction with Netball WA.

5. Was part of the initial setup of the netball for Broome Towns Sporting Club in 2020. In their inaugural year, Broome Towns has 4 teams participating in the BNA competition. This grew to 5 in 2021.

Christie's exceptional service to Broome Netball Association over an extended period has delivered proven outcomes for our Association and her sport. Her contribution has helped Broome Netball Association record our highest ever member numbers, ensured sound administration, open and inclusive development pathways, financial stability, and most importantly a culture of inclusion, fun, and growth.

Christie's laid-back personality makes her an efficient problem solver, approachable, and a dedicated committee and community member.

Christie has been a dedicated leader for development, growth, and governance at Broome Netball Association for over 15 years. Her involvement and leadership have helped lead our Association into Tier one status and during her time seeing Netball membership numbers in Broome swell to over 450 members.

The crazy hours that she dedicates to Netball all year round is proof of her love and passion for growth and success in our sport, and with a committed team, she leads our Association as our President. Christie's laid-back, fun, approachable leadership style makes it easy to get the job done!

Trenna Wadge

Has made an outstanding contribution to Broome Netball Association (BNA), Broome Towns Sporting Club, Broome Sports Association and the wider Broome sporting community. Through her dedication, leadership and countless volunteer hours, she has helped grow local netball, and create opportunities for players, coaches and volunteers.

Awards and Recognition & Roles

2018 – BNA Coach of the Year, 2019 – BNA Volunteer of the Year, 2020 – North West Netball Region Volunteer of the Year, 2022 – BNA Service to Sport Award, 2024 – BNA Life Membership

2013–2018 – BNA Junior Sub-Committee Member

2016–2020 – BNA Association Development Officer

2017–2024 – BNA North West Championships Coordinator

2018–2020 – BRAC Netball Court Redevelopment Steering Committee Member

2019–2023 – Broome Sports Association Talent Development Program Coordinator

2020–2022 – BNA Vice President

2020–2023 – Broome Towns Sporting Club Committee Member

Trenna first became involved with BNA in 2013 when she organised and coached her daughter Matilda's 10/Under team, the Sparklers. What began as an opportunity for her daughter quickly developed into a long-term commitment, with Trenna coaching one or two teams each year.

She went on to coach junior, senior and representative teams, achieving her Development Coaching Accreditation in 2016 and becoming a respected Division 1 and Broome representative coach.

In 2014, Trenna helped establish BNA's Junior Sub-Committee alongside other dedicated parents. Over the following five years, she contributed to managing significant growth in junior participation, helping establish the strong junior competition BNA has today.

From 2016 to 2020, Trenna was BNA's Association Development Officer, managing the Association's development program and supporting athletes, coaches and umpires through Netball WA pathways.

A major part of this role was organising the annual March Development Camp, bringing together approximately 80 athletes, coaches and umpires for training, development and representative team selections. The camp also included nutritional seminars, strength and conditioning, guest speakers and advanced coaching opportunities.

From 2017 to 2024, Trenna coordinated BNA's involvement in the North West Netball Championships, managing the extensive planning required for both travelling and hosting events.

Travelling teams involved approximately 90 players, coaches, team managers and umpires, with Trenna coordinating transport, accommodation, uniforms, meals, merchandise and payments.

When Broome hosted the Championships, she helped coordinate an event welcoming approximately 500 people, overseeing court arrangements, catering, merchandise, payments and liaison with Netball WA.

Planning began months in advance, and Trenna consistently managed these responsibilities with professionalism, organisation and calmness, becoming the person members and volunteers could rely on.

In 2020, Trenna became BNA Vice President, providing valuable administrative support and guidance to the Executive Committee. During this period, she helped the Association navigate significant challenges, including COVID-19, court redevelopment, the new shade structure and increasing demands on BRAC facilities.

Trenna also recognised an opportunity to expand BNA's club structure and approached Broome Towns Football Club about introducing netball. She volunteered as the netball representative on the committee and helped establish the new section, which began with junior teams before expanding into senior competition.

Her contribution extended further through her involvement with the Broome Sports Association, where she coordinated the Talent Development Program from 2019 to 2023.

Trenna's contribution to Broome Netball Association and the wider sporting community has been significant. She has helped grow junior participation, strengthen development pathways, support representative teams, establish club opportunities and deliver major regional events.

She is efficient, approachable and committed to putting the best interests of the Association and its members first. Her willingness to give her time, take responsibility and support others has left a lasting impact on local sport.

BNA has been incredibly fortunate to benefit from Trenna's dedication and leadership. Her contribution has helped shape the Association into what it is today and created opportunities for countless players, coaches, volunteers and families.

Louise Lydeamore

Louise has made a significant, sustained and lasting contribution to Broome Netball Association, demonstrating an exceptional commitment to the development and promotion of netball in Broome over an extended period. Her contribution also extends to other local sporting organisations, including motocross, reflecting her broader dedication to community sport.

As a wife, mother, employee and business owner, Louise has consistently given generously of her time, knowledge and expertise to support local sport, often going well beyond what would ordinarily be expected of a volunteer.

Louise was a founding committee member of Broome Junior Netball and served as its President from its inauguration. Alongside three other committee members, she was instrumental in managing and developing the junior competition, helping establish the foundations for junior netball in Broome. She subsequently transitioned to the Senior Association Committee, where she held several executive positions, including Treasurer.

During her time as Treasurer, Louise maintained strong financial accountability across all areas of the Association and played a significant role in establishing the sound financial position Broome Netball Association continues to benefit from today.

Louise also served on the BRAC Shade Initiative Steering Committee, where she was an influential voice in driving the project forward. Her determination, advocacy and work in securing funding and ensuring the project was delivered to completion contributed to the outstanding facilities members now enjoy.

Since the inauguration of Broome Bullets Netball Club in 2019, Louise has served as President and continues to be the driving force behind the club's operations and development. She provides strong leadership, ensures appropriate processes and procedures are followed, maintains accountability and continually works to promote the club and netball within the wider community.

Louise has also played a pivotal role in securing the club's financial stability through funding applications and sponsorship development. Her preparation and submission of successful funding applications, together with her ability to build and maintain strong relationships with local businesses, have provided valuable financial support and opportunities for club members.

Recognising the importance of acknowledging those who contribute to community sport, Louise developed a club recognition program and secured sponsorship to formally acknowledge and reward players, coaches, umpires and volunteers for their commitment and contributions.

Beyond her administrative and leadership responsibilities, Louise is a National C Badge umpire who continues to volunteer her time officiating games and mentoring developing umpires throughout the Association. She has also coordinated the junior umpire development program, encouraging and preparing young members to develop their skills and progress into umpiring. Her willingness to assist with player development, offering guidance and practical advice to improve individual skills, further demonstrates her commitment to supporting all aspects of the game.

Louise's contribution to Broome Netball extends well beyond the positions she has held. Her leadership, financial management, advocacy, volunteer development, mentoring and ongoing commitment have helped shape the Association and strengthen the opportunities available to its members.

She consistently gives far more than could reasonably be expected of one individual, and her contribution has been both significant and enduring.

We are incredibly honoured and proud to have Louise as part of our club, our Association and our sporting community. Her dedication, commitment and lasting impact make her a highly deserving candidate for Life Membership of Broome Netball Association.

Deanne Hayward

Dee Hayward has been an active umpire with Broome Netball Association (BNA) since 2008, contributing more than 17 years of dedicated service to the Association. Throughout this time, Dee has consistently given her time, knowledge and experience to support the development of umpiring at both local and regional levels.

Dee has regularly officiated across BNA competitions and programs, as well as inter-association events, including the North West Championships. Her reliability, commitment and high standard of officiating have made her a valued member of the umpiring community.

Dee has also demonstrated an exceptional commitment to her own professional development, progressing through the umpire accreditation pathway and achieving her National B Umpiring Badge. This achievement followed considerable determination and persistence, with Dee travelling to Perth and successfully gaining her accreditation on her second attempt. Her commitment was not simply about achieving a personal goal; she recognised the importance of having more highly accredited umpires within BNA and the value this would bring to the Association.

While Dee's own umpiring achievements are significant, one of her greatest contributions has been her commitment to mentoring and developing others. Through her roles as mentor and Association Umpire Development Officer (AUDO), Dee has provided invaluable guidance, encouragement and support to junior and senior umpires.

Over her years with BNA, Dee has mentored so many developing officials that she has lost count of the number of junior and senior umpires she has supported. Whether offering advice during a game, providing feedback after an umpiring performance, helping officials work towards accreditation or simply encouraging someone to back themselves, Dee has consistently made herself available to help others improve.

Her willingness to share her knowledge and experience has helped build confidence, develop skills and create opportunities for umpires to progress through their accreditation pathways. Dee continues to support and badge new and developing umpires at the courts, ensuring knowledge is passed on and the next generation of officials is given every opportunity to succeed.

Beyond technical development, Dee has played an important role in creating a positive, inclusive and supportive umpiring culture within BNA. Her approach, encouragement and willingness to give her time have helped make umpiring more accessible and welcoming, particularly for those just starting their journey.

In 2025, Dee was recognised with BNA's Service to Sport Award, acknowledging her long-standing dedication, leadership and outstanding contribution to the Association.

Dee's contribution extends well beyond officiating matches. Her 17 years of service, commitment to professional development and, most importantly, the countless umpires she has encouraged, mentored and helped develop demonstrate a lasting contribution to Broome Netball Association.

The knowledge and confidence Dee has passed on will continue to benefit BNA long into the future. Her dedication to umpiring and the development of others makes her an extremely deserving recipient of Life Membership under the Umpire category.