It is with great sadness that Netball NSW shares the news of the passing of its Patron Neita Matthews OAM over the weekend.
Neita was made a Life Member of Netball NSW in 1980 and entered the Hall of Fame in 2011. She has been Patron of Netball NSW since 1987.
Neita started her netball career at the age of eight at Mayfield West Primary School in Newcastle and went on to become one of the most respected umpiring figures in NSW and Australian netball.
In 1966, she became Newcastle’s first All Australian umpire when she achieved the feat at the National Netball Championships held in Sydney.
Moving to Sydney with her family in 1967, Neita continued her career with Eastwood Ryde Netball Association and in 1968 she was elected Umpires Convenor before being elected President in 1994; a role she continued in until 2004.
Her administrative service to the sport did not stop at an Association level; she was elected Netball NSW Junior Vice President in 1968 and also held the position of NSW Umpire Coordinator for 17 years. During this time she assisted with the implementation of modified rules, as well as coordinating many seminars and camps and assisted with the badging and testing of umpires across the state.
From 1968-1976 Neita was a member of the Netball Australia Umpires Committee whilst continuing to umpire at National Netball Championships. In 1987 she moved into the role of Secretary of the Oceania Netball Association, a position she held until 1991.
In 1978 Neita was one of four umpires within Australia to be allocated a game in the Test Series between Australia and Trinidad & Tobago.
As well as those listed above, Neita’s impressive list of achievements also includes Life Membership of Eastwood Ryde Netball Association (1977), recipient of the Australian Sports Medal (2000) and Centenary Medal for service to the community through amateur sport (2003), Anne Clark Award for services to netball (2004) and the Order of Australia Medal on the 2007 Australia Day Honours List.
In paying tribute to Neita Matthews OAM, Netball NSW President Louise Sullivan said:
“Neita reached legendary status in our game, for making a positive impact on so many generations, particularly while an AA umpire, State Team Umpire, Executive and Sub Committee Member and as the State's Umpires Coordinator for several decades.
“With a relentless passion for the game Neita travelled the state continuously, and indeed the nation, running countless umpiring courses, coaching thousands of umpires, coaches and players, and in the process became a much loved and trusted mentor to so many.
"Neita made an incredible contribution to our sport and is such a powerful example of someone who gave so much to netball, and gave the players and other participants of the sport today the opportunities they currently enjoy.
“As a measure of the esteem in which she was held Neita was appointed as Patron of our Association in 1987, a position she has held for over three decades. She was always a strong and effective advocate for our sport and a graceful and dignified leader.
“She has left an indelible mark on our organisation, its members and the NSW netball community as a whole.
“On behalf of Netball NSW I pass on our deepest condolences to Neita’s family and her many friends.
“At this sad time, Neita’s netball family all take some comfort in sharing our many stories of a great lady. We have truly lost a netball treasure who has left a lasting legacy across all levels and all facets of our game, and she will be very sorely missed.”
Netball NSW will advise the netball community once details of the service are known for those that wish to provide acknowledgement.
