Netball NSW is deeply saddened by the passing of Barbara Long OAM, a Life Member, Hall of Fame Inductee and one of the most respected and influential figures in the history of netball in New South Wales. Across more than seven decades, Barbara dedicated her life to the sport, helping shape the game at community, State and national level.
From her early days as a player in the 1940s, Barbara's involvement in netball became a lifelong passion. What began on the court evolved into an extraordinary commitment to coaching, administration, governance and leadership, with her contribution touching every level of the sport.
Barbara played a pivotal role in the growth of netball in Sydney's south-west. In 1965, she formed the Southern District Sports Association Women's Basketball for Youth Club before helping establish the Southern District Women's Basketball Association, which later became Liverpool City Netball Association. Here, she served as Foundation President from 1968 to 1985 and remained a driving force within the Association for decades.
Her dedication extended far beyond administration. Barbara coached Liverpool City representative teams, served on selection panels, managed and coached at State level and became a Netball NSW selector for 15 years. She contributed to numerous committees throughout her career, including the committee responsible for constitutional reform and the incorporation of District Associations, and was a member of the first building committee established before the construction of the Anne Clark Centre.
Barbara's expertise was equally valued nationally, serving on the All Australia Netball Association Coaching Panel and as an Australian Selector from 1985 to 1991, where her influence helped shape the development of countless players, coaches and officials across Australia.
Among the many people who were closest to Barbara throughout her journey was Anne Clark, whom she once described as her "guiding light" during challenging times. Just as she had benefited from the guidance of others, Barbara spent decades giving back to the sport and supporting those around her.
Barbara's remarkable contribution was recognised through numerous honours, including the Anne Clark Service Award in 1978, Life Membership of Netball NSW in 1982, induction into the Netball NSW Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2014. She was also made an Officer of the Order of Liverpool, and had Barbara Long Park named in her honour.
While her achievements were significant, Barbara often measured her time in netball not through awards or titles, but through the people, friendships and opportunities the sport provided. Reflecting on her decades in the game, she described the Netball NSW community as "like family" and said, "New South Wales netball to me has been like home and all my friends."
Perhaps her most fitting reflection came when looking back on a lifetime in the sport:
"My netball has taken up two-thirds of my life, and I have enjoyed every minute of it."
Barbara devoted much of her life to netball and, in doing so, helped leave the sport stronger for future generations. Her contribution to Netball NSW and the wider netball community will not be forgotten.
Netball NSW extends its sincere condolences to Barbara's family, friends, the Liverpool City Netball Association community and all those whose lives were touched by her extraordinary contribution to our sport.
A Celebration of Life for Barbara Long OAM will be held on 13 November at 11:00am at Ourimbah RSL.
