A celebrated local sporting advocate and pioneer of netball in the Sutherland Shire has been honoured with the official naming of the Margaret Corbett Netball Complex in Miranda, recognising her outstanding contribution to the sport and the community.
Sutherland Shire Mayor, Jack Boyd, joined members of the Corbett family, representatives from Netball NSW, the Sutherland Shire Netball Association and community members to unveil the new facility name and commemorative plaque recognising Ms Corbett’s incredible service to netball in the region.
Mayor Boyd said the renaming reflects Ms Corbett’s enduring legacy in local sport.
“Margaret Corbett dedicated decades of service to the development of netball in the Sutherland Shire and helped shape opportunities for generations of players, coaches, officials and volunteers,” he said.
“It is fitting that this important sporting facility now bears her name and serves as a lasting reminder of the impact one person can have on their community.”
The Corbett family said the recognition was a source of great pride.
“Our family is honoured that our mother’s contribution to netball and the community has been recognised in this way. Netball was a lifelong passion for her, and she took great pride in supporting the growth of the game across the Sutherland Shire.”
“To see her name associated with a place that means so much to so many people is incredibly special, and we thank Council and the community for helping preserve her legacy for future generations.”
The renaming of the Bellingara Netball Complex follows extensive community consultation which demonstrated strong support for the proposal, with 81% of survey respondents supporting the name change.
As part of the event, the Council also acknowledged the receipt of $500,000 in Federal Government funding under the Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program (MLCIP) to support upgrades at the complex.
The funding will deliver lighting upgrades that will enable the courts to be better utilised by local netballers. These upgrades are set to be designed in 2027, with construction to follow thereafter.
NSW Senator, Tony Sheldon, said the courts had been the backdrop for many happy memories in his life, “with my sisters Cath, Diane and Lyn playing and my dad coaching netball here”.
“It is my pleasure to represent the Australian Government as we deliver on our $500,000 commitment from the last Federal election,” he said.
“While sport projects like these are undoubtedly important, it is the community of caring, committed and compassionate people that make netball the fantastic sport that it is. In other words – people like Margaret Corbett.
“My family knew Margeret and describe her as a “beautiful and funny person” who was committed to mentoring new participants in the sport she loved.
“With that in mind, I can’t think of a better way to honour Margaret’s legacy than having these courts bear her name.”
