A much-loved figure in the netball community, Cate Newman’s dedication to the sport was unrivalled.
Working tirelessly both as a volunteer and a change management specialist with Netball Australia, Cate also worked closely with the team at Netball NSW on PlayHQ community integration.
Her love of netball was infectious and she will forever be remembered for her passion for the sport. On top of all the work she did for the game, she wore many other hats including President of the Hills District Netball Association, coach, umpire and most importantly, mum, to daughter Dom.
Netball NSW said Cate also provided a “positive energy and warm” presence.
Netball Australia CEO Kelly Ryan said, “Cate was an exceptional person and contributor to our business and sport”.
“Not only did she bring energy and enthusiasm to her role, but she was an active contributor to our overall culture including taking a leading role in the recent development of our values,” she said.
“Cate made many strong connections across our sport and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts continue to be with Dom and her extended family and to everyone in the Hills District Netball Association.”
Hills District Netball Association Vice President Lisa Robertson described Cate as someone who loved spreading the joy of netball to all.
“Cate loved netball, it was her passion and she instilled a love of it in so many people,” she said.
Cate started with Netball Australia in 2021 as part of Netball Australia’s change team to support NSW associations and clubs understand the new technology systems being put in place.
Cate then became the change lead across all of Netball Australia’s community team to advance and grow netball with a particular focus on Woolworths NetSetGO.
Netball Australia’s Head of Development Strategic Projects, Government & Community Mark Tonner-Joyce reflected on the brilliant colleague she was.
“For me she was a really wonderful colleague, she reached out to others and took them under her wing,” he said.
“She was valued as a guide, a mentor and a support, reaching out to team members.”
Tonner-Joyce also commended Cate’s connection to the netball community.
“Cate came with awesome business leadership capability, team capability, knowledge as well as the skills and understanding of both netball as a business and people,” he said.
“She had total confidence in picking up the phone to speak with anyone, giving her a huge connection across the netball community that helped us further advance our relationships.”
Netball Australia extends its condolences to Cate’s daughter Dom, family, friends, colleagues and everyone at Hills District Netball Association.
