For almost 100 years, netball in Australia has celebrated women’s achievements as athletes, from grassroots to the elite. The sport has been a driver for female empowerment on and off the court and remains the number one team sport for females in the country.
Netball Victoria is stepping up to the challenge, putting a proposal to state government urging for funding to immortalise a great of the sport in bronze at the newly named, John Cain Arena.
With 29 male sporting statues across the city, Netball Victoria is calling to add to the three female statues, to reflect the impact and future aspirations of female sport we often talk about.
Netball Victoria CEO, Rosie King spoke of the desire to have another female sporting icon represented in Melbourne.
“There is absolutely no denying that every male athlete immortalised in bronze across the city of Melbourne is worthy of the honour. These athletes have inspired past generations and will continue to do so well into the future,” said King.
“But the gap between male and female sports icons is too wide. We have to empower our young women by showing them that they are equally as capable of achieving excellence in sport by reflecting the same icons and tributes that our male athletes have enjoyed.
“Statues are powerful symbols that stand the test of time. They are monuments that matter which tell stories about how we as a community view the world and are a constant reminder of the legacy that our sporting legends have left with their sport, and we need to acknowledge our incredible women in far greater numbers.
“We know that sport is a powerful vehicle for change and now more than ever, we need to visibly promote the success of our female athletes who are in every way as worthy as the men. Statues may be silent but their presence in our community speaks volumes.”
John Cain Arena has been the venue of professional netball games since it was originally built; it has been home to the Melbourne Vixens, with the Melbourne Phoenix and Melbourne Kestrels playing a series of marquee games in the venue. The arena also hosted the netball finals for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Gender equality has come a long way, but there is still work to be done. A statue recognising the success and cultural impact of netball in Victoria would shine a permanent light, ensuring that the sport continues to play a major role in society, both at the elite and grassroots level.
Netball Victoria’s pitch to state government can be found here.
Read more in The Age.
