*Image supplied by the Warragul and Drouin Gazette*
Drouin & District Netball Association received a major boost at a recent Woolworths NetSetGo session, visited by Melbourne Vixens athlete Maggie Caris who presented the association with a $15,000 ‘Surprise and Delight’ grant from Woolworths.
Under the guidance of president Jaime Awty, Drouin continues to welcome countless local players, umpires and coaches into their community, including in the national introductory netball program, Woolworths NetSetGo.
Drouin’s Woolworths NetSetGo program is one of the area’s longest running, and despite facing challenges including socioeconomic pressures in the region, has grown from 29 to 50 participants since 2022.
As a long-time supporter of grassroots netball, Woolworths runs an annual grant program that aims to support local netball clubs and associations across Australia; this year 40 clubs were awarded with a $2,000 Woolworths grant, with winners announced monthly.
In 2025, Woolworths identified a need for additional support within regional and remote areas, and created an extra round of funding to deliver ‘Surprise and Delight grants’ to netball communities in need.
For Drouin, the funding will provide vital support for their grassroots netball programs, helping to create more participation opportunities across their association.
Netball Victoria’s eastern region manager Judi Buhagiar has been proud to witness the resilience and growth of the association in recent years.
“Community sport is the lifeblood of regional Victoria, and local associations like Drouin create vital opportunities for social connection and for kids to develop confidence and learn new skills,” she said.
“The $15,000 funding received from Woolworths will go a long way to supporting new Woolworths NetSetGo participants, and extend into junior netball programs and competitions looking to commence in 2026 with support from Netball Victoria.
“With lights about to be installed on four courts, seeing all courts with lighting, Drouin & District Netball Association has a very exciting future.”
Almost half of Netball Victoria’s members are regionally based, and support from partners like Woolworths has helped Netball Victoria to continue to grow the game across the state, with netball participation in Victoria having increased by 28% since 2022.
Find out more about the Woolworths NetSetGo program and find your local Woolworths NetSetGo Centre now
