Ashley Robinson and Min Swan put politics aside for Thunder Netball

Ashley Robinson has taken the reins as Thunder Netball’s new board chairman, joined by former political rival Min Swan, as the club marks a new era with a renewed focus on local talent development.

Thunder Netball Board. Kevin Cook, Kirsten Boud, Ashley Robinson, Carmel D’Arcy, Jenny Brazel, Julie Jones, Min Swan (absent Kane Stegeman, Bridget Landers and Board Secretary Kirsty Gould) – Photo: Rob Bibby

Political rivals during the council election earlier this year, a pair of sports-loving professionals have realised they are better together as a new board for Thunder Netball was announced last week.

The introduction of the new board took place on Friday night during the 2024 awards.

It will be led by Sunshine Coast businessman and sports leader Ashley Robinson.

Mr Robinson, taking over as board chairman, is joined by a mix of seasoned netballers and business professionals including Min Swan, a former mayoral candidate who ran against him in the 2024 Local Government elections.

Ashley Robinson and Min Swan – both 2024 Mayoral Candidates have joined the Thunder Board together.

Despite their political rivalry, Mr Robinson was quick to praise Ms Swan’s leadership qualities, reflecting on their time spent together during the campaign and realising she would be a “good fit” on the board.

“She’s really exceeded my expectations … she definitely would have made a better mayor than me,” Mr Robinson said.

“She’s a very good networker and is great at dealing with diverse people. One thing we have in common is that she’s quite direct.”

Ms Swan had her own theory on why Mr Robinson approached her to join the board.

“He approached me, so maybe after three months of the campaign, he finally realised he can’t live without me,” she said with a laugh.

“The thing we liked about each other throughout the campaign and beyond was a real passion for helping people be the best they can be on the coast.”

HART Sapphire Series Netball 2024 prelim final between Sunshine Coast Thunder (yellow) and Gold Coast Titans (blue).

The event also highlighted the critical role Thunder plays in developing young athletes, with Sunshine Coast Lightning’s Steph Fretwell sharing her journey to the Australian netball team.

The evening included a Pathways Panel featuring Thunder head coach Simone Nalatu, Lightning’s Belinda Reynolds and Jenny Brazel, and emerging stars like Yves Chee and Kirra Tappenden, who has just signed with the Queensland Firebirds.

Mr Robinson said he had a passion for creating opportunities for local talent.

“The Thunders are the Falcons of netball, and there are way more people playing netball on the Sunshine Coast than there are playing rugby league. There’s a massive opportunity here for the community and for the sport,” he said.

Jacqui Delaney and Ashley Robinson. Thunder Netball. Photo: Rob Bibby.

Mr Robinson said the awards nights exceeded his expectations and called the night “outstanding”.

“The Falcons players can certainly learn something about the way those young female award winners, panel members, and coaches handled themselves on Friday night,” he said.

One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the coveted Spirit of Thunder Award, which went to Ruby head coach Jacqui Delaney for her dedication to Thunder’s ethos and culture.

Kevin Cook, Kirsten Boud, Ashley Robinson, Carmel D’Arcy, Jenny Brazel, Julie Jones, Min Swan (absent Kane Stegeman, Bridget Landers and board secretary Kirsty Gould). Photo: Rob Bibby

With a 10-person strong board including members like Kirsten Boud, Jenny Brazel and Kevin Cook, Mr Robinson is excited about the future of Thunder Netball and its growing impact.

“I really hope the community gets behind this club because it is the pathway for our young people. We want to keep them on the Sunshine Coast and give them the opportunity to reach their goals,” Mr Robinson said.

Trials for the 2025 season are set to take place on November 23, from 9am–1pm, as Thunder Netball enters a new chapter under Mr Robinson’s leadership.