Netball CEO stands down

Netball Australia Chief Executive Officer, Lindsay Cane, has stood down amidst player pay disputes and the controversial decision by the ABC television to no longer include former Australian player Anne Sargent as a commentator for the 2006 season.

Cane, who was appointed to the position of CEO back in 2003, is widely acknowledged as having increased the profile of netball in this country and helping to improve the administration of one of the highest participated team sports in Australia.

Cane can also be credited with gaining increased sponsorship for netball, implementing a national membership database and forming alliances with other key sports including AFL football.

President of Netball Australia, Noeleen Dix, paid tribute to Cane for everything she had done for the sport during her time as CEO.

“I would like to record my appreciation of the work that Lindsay has done for the Association and my disappointment that she is leaving netball,” Dix told the Netball Australia website.

In other netball news, Darwin’s Marrara Indoor Stadium will host again host a CBT match when the AIS Canberra Darters take on the Perth Orioles tomorrow night.

The Darters, who have yet to record a win this season will be looking to record one against a much-improved Perth Orioles, who currently sit in fourth position on the ladder.

Netball Northern Territory General Manager, Michael Lloyd, is looking forward to again hosting elite netball in the Top End.

“It is great is great to have top level netball back in the Territory thanks to the support of the Northern Territory Government and Netball Australia,” he said.

“This match promises to be another thrilling contest for the Darwin netball community”.

Karyn Bailey, who has represented the Northern Territory at 17u, 19u, 21u and open level, will take the court for the Darters in her home town after having moved from the family home in Alice Springs to undertake a netball scholarship at the NTIS.

She was a member of the Queensland Firebirds squad last year and made five appearances for them at CBT level, before being offered a scholarship to attend the AIS in Canberra.

“Seeing Karyn Bailey return home as an Australia 21u squad member and AIS scholarship holder proves that talented Northern Territory athletes can make their way through the available pathways and make it big in their chosen sport,” Lloyd continued.

The match will commence at 7:30pm following completion of the Minister’s Challenge curtain raiser.

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