Friday, 14 November 2025

 Nick STAIKOS (Bentleigh – Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Local Government) (10:39): I rise to congratulate Ormond Netball Club on their 25th anniversary. Founded in 2000 by local mums Wendy Frost and Jodi Weston, the club began with a single team, just 12 players. The inaugural team was called Ormond Gold, and it kicked off at Ormond Primary School. The club’s growth was rapid. By the next year the club fielded two teams, Ormond Green and Ormond Gold, and then three teams the year after. Today the club has 190 players, including 13 boys, across 19 teams. I can imagine that the size and the success of the club today is a matter of immense pride for Wendy and Jodi, who joined the celebrations at McKinnon Hotel last weekend. Over the years 950 players at Ormond Netball Club have been supported by hundreds of volunteers, coaches and families. I want to acknowledge the committee: Jessica Kelleher, who served as president until this year, as well as Anita Campbell, Ally Longman, Sara Hopkins, Sarah Bacon, Felicity Burke and Rebecca Mandile. I also acknowledge the subcommittee of past and present volunteers that was formed to help celebrate the club’s 25 years. As well as Wendy, Jodi, Felicity and Anita from the current committee, the subcommittee also included Dave Knott, Caroline Morrison, Debra Dalidakis, Mark Schwerdt and Kellie Hamilton. I am very much looking forward to the club’s next 25 years and certainly offer the club my support as their local member for their ongoing success, because as Sharon Strzelecki once said, ‘If you need.’