ALL six Hastings Valley netball clubs are about to go blue to raise much-needed funds for “Dolly’s Dream”.
Initiated by Hastings Valley Netball Association (HVNA), the teams, club members and supporters, are encouraged to wear a little extra blue in their hair, on their face, and on their feet, to help raise awareness of bullying and the need to spread kindness.
The association’s “Do It For Dolly Day” will include all club games on Saturday 14 June as well as the five to seven-year-old participants of a 10-week program, running on Fridays.
“It’s such an important topic that we need to address, and as a sport that engages young girls and adults, it’s imperative that we play our part in supporting positive behaviours on and off the court,” HVNA President Linda Dewbery told News Of The Area.
“If we start the discussions young with our five-year-olds, they grow up and… talk openly about the effects bullying has on people.
“It will support positive parent, teacher, and community conversations.”
Although the official “Do It For Dolly Day” was on 9 May, Linda and all six clubs believe that it is a cause worth supporting all year-round.
“Engaging teens and adolescents in our community in sporting activities that build healthy bodies, healthy minds, resilience, teamwork, and healthy relationships [is] our way of supporting them through [the] emotional roller-coaster of their teenage years.” Linda said.
“With the majority of our netball members in the eight to 16 years age bracket, bullying and anti-social behaviour is definitely something that our club and executive committees keep an eye on.
“Coaches juggle so many personalities in their teams. We need to play our part in supporting them as well as all of our players.”
Dolly’s Dream was founded in 2018 by Kate and Tick Everett following the shattering loss of their 14-year-old daughter, Dolly, who experienced sustained bullying and cyberbullying.
Kate and Tick’s goal is to prevent other families from having to walk the same road that they have, by addressing the impact of bullying, anxiety, depression and youth suicide, through education and direct support to young people and families.
Dolly’s Dream offers free support, resources, education, and school workshops to help individuals and families.
Details can be found at dollysdream.org.au.
Gold coin donations can be made at the courts on game day, or via the Association’s fundraising page dollysdream.org.au/fundraisers/hastingsvalleynetballassociation.
By Rikki WALLER
