Eridge Park, 1987. It's a cold and miserable Saturday afternoon and you're attempting to shoot for goal as the wind rush from cyclists in the velodrome pushes you off balance.
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That nightmarish scenario was the reality for the ladies of the Southern Highlands Netball Association (SHNA) for many years with the courts located inside the Eridge Park velodrome, known as 'the dungeon'.
Fast forward to 2022 and SHNA have officially opened their upgraded courts after COVID delayed the 2021 ceremony.
It's been a long four years for SHNA in completing the project, built with $306,615 from the NSW Government and $80,000 each from the association and Wingecarribee Shire Council.
Long-term members, sponsors, Netball NSW and government officials were on hand on Friday for the ceremony with Vice President Cecelia Marmont praising the facilities.
"I want to thank the SHNA executive, committee and subcommittee of 2019 and, wait for it, 2020, 2021 and 2022 for their support and sharing of the goal to get these courts to where they are today as well as members and schools for trusting our vision," she said.
"We've seen particularly this season how effectively the water drains away. They are quality, safe surfaces for the sport that no longer have cracks that could cause serious injuries or that you could lose a small child in."
Marmont also took the time to thank the families of players and officials for their support over the years but said the committee wasn't quite done yet with a new clubhouse on the horizon.
"In women's sport we always have our men backing us and getting us where we need to be," she said.
"Spouses and partners have the foundation that we have been able to launch from. You see our passion and help us support our netball community.
"We may be a small regional association but we have big hearts and an even bigger vision."
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