Update Time: History of ONA

Dear ONA Netball Community

I am delighted to advise that the Orange Netball Association (ONA) Committee has agreed to my proposal to write and publish an updated, comprehensive history of the Association, from 1942 to 2026. The history doesn’t mark a significant anniversary – I’m simply writing it while I have the mental resolve!

It’s a great privilege to take on this task, and to capture at least some of the countless key people, landmark events, and defining moments that have shaped our organisation over the past 84 years.

More than just a record of premierships and results, this history will aim to shine a light on the history of volunteering—the backbone of our sport—and the incredible, lasting contribution the ONA has made to the broader Orange community. I intend it to be both a sporting and a social history.

While it's impossible to capture the full story of every single player, official, or volunteer across more than eight decades, my commitment will be to justice to our Association as a whole. To ensure we tell the most complete and vibrant story possible, I will be relying heavily on the collective memory of our members, past and present.

I will, for example, seek input from our vibrant clubs and/or from folk who have been actively involved in ONA over many years. Club contacts, in particular, can expect an email from me requesting input and outlining some guidelines for those contributions. Others may also be asked to contribute stories, photos, and insights. Thank you in anticipation.

I intend the book to be a polished publication, so another call I’ll be making on our community is for some generous sponsorship to ensure a quality product. I’d be very happy to talk more with any prospective sponsors!

Finally, just to reiterate that not every story can be told, but those that are chosen will aim to represent the broad themes and intentions of our remarkable ONA history.

Yours in netball,

Pam Ryan