The story of netball in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) begins in 1942, with the establishment of the Canberra Netball Association (CNA). As netball grew in popularity, participation numbers soared, prompting the formation of two district associations: Canberra and South Canberra (SCNA). Both associations initially affiliated with the New South Wales Netball Association (NSWNA).
After 32 years of affiliation with NSW, the ACT netball community took a historic step toward independence. In 1974, CNA and SCNA collaborated to establish a distinct ACT Netball Region. On 11 November 1974, representatives from both associations attended an open meeting with the goal of forming the ACT Netball Association (ACTNA) and applying for recognition as a separate territory by the All-Australia Netball Association (AANA).
The meeting, chaired by Miss Jo Grimsley—a dedicated netball advocate and active member since 1942—marked a turning point. The attendees adopted a Constitution and elected an Interim Executive Committee to lead the association. Miss Grimsley, who later became the ACT Netball Patroness, played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of the association.
The ACT Netball Association held its inaugural meeting on 25 November 1974, with the official recognition following soon after. On 1 October 1975, the ACT Netball Association was formally established after the addition of a Territories Clause to the AANA Constitution.
This milestone was celebrated during the association's first Annual General Meeting on 27 October 1975, where Mrs. Gwen Benzie, the then Honorary Secretary/Treasurer of AANA, and Miss Anne Clark, President of NSWNA, addressed the gathering.
Eventually, due to population growth in the ACT, two sub-associations, Belconnen and Weston (now Arawang), were formed. Belconnen became a full member on 22 September 1975 and Arawang from 23 February 1976.
By 1984, the ACT Netball Association welcomed its fifth member association, Tuggeranong, further solidifying the growth of netball across the region. Decades later, in May 2021, the ACT Men's and Mixed Netball Association joined now named Netball ACT, becoming the sixth association under its umbrella.
Today, Netball ACT proudly competes in all National Championships, including the Under 17 and Under 19 divisions, men's and mixed national competitions as well as with our highest representative team, the Capital Darters. This legacy of excellence continues to inspire the netball community across the ACT.
As we commemorate 50 years of Netball ACT, we honor the vision and dedication of those who came before us, paving the way for generations of players, coaches, and supporters.
