In response to the ever-growing impact of COVID-19, Netball Australia and the Suncorp Super Netball league have stood down 50% of staff and reduced the hours of remaining staff and salaries of all executive staff members. These reductions will be in place until 31 May 2020.
These measures follow the postponement of the Suncorp Super Netball league, Deakin University Australia Netball League and potentially Origin Australian Diamonds international matches, as well as all community netball competitions around Australia.
Netball Australia CEO Marne Fechner and Suncorp Super Netball CEO Chris Symington have both taken 50% cuts to their respective salaries until 31 May.
Fechner said the past few weeks have been the most challenging in her professional career and advising staff yesterday of the workforce impacts was heartbreaking.
“There just isn’t an easy way to come to terms with the measures we’ve needed to put in place to ensure there is a Netball Australia for our workforce to return to, when the COVID-19 pandemic has passed.”
“Every Australian has a role to play in stopping the spread of the virus. We all want a healthy community, and to get the economy back up and running as soon as we can, ensure you socially distance, stay at home unless you need to go out and wash your hands.”
The remaining staff who are continuing on a part-time basis will be ensuring Netball Australia and Suncorp Super Netball can maintain a streamlined operation and be suitably prepared for when the COVID-19 pandemic ends and netball rebounds.
Netball is played in every community across Australia, and Netball Australia and Suncorp Super Netball would like to thank front line health professionals, emergency services, retail workers, teachers and all the people who have selflessly risen to the occasion during this pandemic.
Netball Australia and Suncorp Super Netball executive will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely as it evolves to determine staffing structures and the return of netball at all levels post 31 May.
