Sport
15 January, 2025
Mount Isa Amateur Netball Association enters a new era
An executive committee was formed at a special meeting on Monday night.
The Mount Isa Amateur Netball Association will enter into a new era of leadership after a committee was formed for 2025 at a special meeting on Monday night.
There were fears heading into Christmas that an executive would not be formed after MIANA failed to get nominations for key roles at its annual general meeting.
However, it took just eight minutes for the positions to be filled at Monday night’s meeting.
Hayley Tuuta will fill the role of president, David Hydon will be the vice president, Emma Schofield was elected as secretary, while Latasha Venz takes on the role of treasurer.
Outgoing MIANA president Zara Kuskopf praised those who volunteered to keep netball going in Mount Isa.
“I am so grateful to those that have stepped up to be part of the new management committee,” she said.
“It’s thanks to them that one of Mount Isa’s largest sports will be able to continue.
“It will be a steep learning curve, but I am confident that they have the collective drive and skills to make this upcoming season a success.
“Myself and (outgoing treasurer) Lucy Barrie will be staying close by for as long as needed.
“We both know what it’s like to be thrown into volunteer roles with no experience, and how daunting that can be.
“We want to make sure they feel as supported as possible. Handover meetings are already planned to hit the ground running.”
Ms Tuuta, who has been an umpire and player with Te Whānau, said she was happy to take on the role of president as she takes a step back from playing.
“I’ve got two children that want to play netball and I’d hate to see MIANA dissolve and not have a netball community,” she said.
“Because I’m retiring from playing, I thought I might need something to do.”
The new president said she would be learning on the job but was glad to have the support of the outgoing leadership.
“We’ll be leaning on Zara and Lucy quite heavily I think for the first six months, if not the whole year, which she’s happy to do,” Ms Tuuta said.
“I was pretty happy to have that support, which made it easier to put my hand up for the job.”
The MIANA senior and junior competitions will likely start in March, the new president said.