Netball Victoria is saddened by the news that Life Member Nonie Oppy passed away on Thursday, 10 June 2021.
Nonie’s contribution to netball over decades of service was significant. She commenced as a player in 1947 in the ‘Women’s Night Basketball Association of Victoria’ which is how netball was known during that era.
During an impressive 30-year playing career, Nonie was also an active contributor to the development of the game through her membership on several committees in the 1950’s and 1960’s. This included being an inaugural member of the Victorian Netball Association (VNA) Council as well as an active member of both the V.W.B.B.A and Victorian Catholic Basketball Association for many years. Nonie held the positions of Umpires Convenor, Coach and was President for 10 years. She was captain of the first Catholic Association Representative team in 1963, played in representative teams until she retired in 1978. Nonie was Manager of the Victorian team in 1967, gained her AA Badge in 1965 and was a Victorian Umpire in 1968. She also tested umpires for several years in Melbourne and country areas, ensuring the quality of umpiring was first rate.
Nonie was awarded a Victorian Netball Association Life Membership in 1977. Her leadership in our netball community was significant; known and loved by many, Nonie is remembered as a kind and humble woman.
With the newly developed State Netball Centre opening in coming weeks, it has been very special to discover in our archives that Nonie was also the Coordinator of the Royal Park Stadium Opening in 1968 and as such played a pivotal role at the home of Victorian netball. At 91, Nonie still spoke proudly of her love for netball and reflected fondly on her time as both a player and an official.
Our thoughts are with Nonie’s family, friends and the entire Victorian community who have been lucky enough to have crossed paths with such an inspiring mentor.
The Melbourne Vixens will wear a black arm band for their game on Saturday, 3 July to honor the life of Nonie Oppy.
