MANNING Valley Netball officials and volunteers have been working frantically to ensure the new season starts on Saturday April 24 after the association's complex at Taree Recreation Ground suffered major damage in the March floods.
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"Our courts are okay thankfully, but we had a metre of water in our administration area. We've lost everything - netballs, fridges, even our hooter,'' association president Janine Kennewell said.
Manning Netball started operations in its current location in the early 1980s.
"This is the first time we've been flooded,'' Mrs Kennewell said.
"And everything happened so quickly, we just didn't get the opportunity to get anything out.''
A major cleanup was held the week after the floods and work has continued since to ensure the season starts as per program. The association does have insurance, however, Mrs Kennewell said this won't cover the cost of repairs or replacing equipment.
"Netball NSW is looking at ways to help out,'' she added.
Hastings Valley Netball presented Manning Valley with a cheque for $2000 earlier this month while Port Combined Netball Club has assisted by donating some equipment.
Bunnings has also donated a barbecue.
Despite COVID-19 restrictions the association managed to conduct competitions last year and Mrs Kennwell said officials and players were looking forward to a more 'normal' year in 2021. That was until the floods.
Work started on resurfacing the association's eight courts last November following a State government grant. This was completed before Christmas.
"That's the first work we've had on the courts in more than 10 years,'' Mrs Kennewell said.
The courts will be officially opened on April 24, with the day starting with the traditional march past of all clubs.
A total of 35 sides from juniors to seniors will contest the new season. This is two up on 2020.
Manning Valley will host a Fast 5 day for schools in association with Netball NSW on Friday April 23 with a regional carnival on Sunday May 2.
"It's going to be a busy year,'' Mrs Kennwell said.
"Then again, it already has been.''