Founding Years and Early Growth of Donvale Netball Club

We exist to enrich the lives of individuals within our community through the sport of Netball!

The Donvale Netball Club Inc. was established in 1971 by our founder Dawn Long. Since then we have grown to consist of players, umpires, coaches of all ages and a dedicated team of volunteer administrators.

When an indoor sports center was built behind The Pines Shopping Centre, the Doncaster & Districts Netball Association was relocated to the rear of The Pines Shopping Centre.

Due to The Pines Shopping Centre plans for renovations and extensions, the netball association needed a new home.

Rebuilding, Rebranding & Relocating (1994–2007)

In 1994, Templestowe Primary School was closed, the Council purchased the land, which was made available to the Doncaster & Districts Netball Association and its member clubs as its new home.

In 2005 the club had entered a total of only five teams – one in each of the five age groups (11&U, 13&U, 15&U, 17&U and Open).

Facing an uncertain future, the new committee in 2006 took steps to recruit and rebuild.

In 2007, further steps saw a new logo, new playing top, club website, registration with a number of council and sport-associated entities, and promotional involvement in local festivals and schools.

Club Growth, Sponsorships, and a Community-Focused Mission (2010–2011)

In 2010, new Club developments were “skorts” (skirts & built-in shorts) and a Facebook page.

In 2011, to help fund further Club initiatives such as coach education and senior teams moving into dresses and “patches” rather than bibs, sponsorship links were established with several local and sports equipment entities.

Also, an official mission statement was developed:

“We exist to enrich the lives of all individuals within our community through the sport of netball”

Unified Identity, Community Growth, and Inclusive Participation (2019 Onwards)

In 2019, the dress uniform was adopted across all age groups. With the Club sling bag and training top in its signature purple colour, the Club is a stand-out presence on court.

The Club’s emphasis is strongly on community involvement, coach and umpire education, leadership and netball enjoyment, in line with its mission statement.

From only 50 members in 2006, the Club has over 150 players.

Donvale Netball Club has played an integral role in providing participation opportunities to participate in a competitive and social environment, and welcomes all ages and abilities as players, coaches, umpires and management levels.

Meet Our Committee

All members of the Donvale Netball Club Committee are volunteers who donate their time and talents to ensure that our Club continues to offer opportunities for our community to participate in netball. The Committee is further strengthened by a number of volunteers in support roles.

Club Roles: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership, Equipment, Uniforms, Grading, Media, Marketing/Sponsorship & Grants, Events, Awards, Coach Coordinator, Association Liaison, Umpire Advisor.

President:  F. Santolin

Vice President: A. Loukos

Secretary:  S.McKeown

Treasurers: K.Taylor

General Committee: H. Loukos, L.Eliades, L.Santolin, T.Watchhorn, R.Santolin,

Role Managers: A. Loukos, D.Loukos, M.Collins, P.Loukos, J.Cole, S.Maybir,  S.Santolin, S.De Costa, A.Aliu

Any concerns or queries you would like to bring to the attention of the committee, please contact us.