Netball Australia chair Wendy Archer announces resignation as mass clear out continues

Netball Australia’s mass overhaul has continued with the governing board’s chair stepping down after less than two years in the role.

Netball Australia chair Wendy Archer will step down from the top job potentially opening the door for more candidates to apply for the CEO job vacated by Kelly Ryan in December.

Michelle Redfern, Founder for Advancing Women in Business and Sport, told CODE Sports earlier this month a lack of confidence in the board was discouraging potential candidates from applying for the CEO role.

Three of Netball Australia’s seven executive positions are vacant, along with Ryan’s spot.

Archer, who was appointed chair in October 2022 and has been a board director since 2018, announced this morning she would step down from the role at the Annual General Meeting in May.

She won’t step away completely, planning to remain on the board until her three-year term ends in May 2025.

Archer said it was the right time to step away to allow the board to hit the refresh button.

Netball Australia chair Wendy Archer (L) has announced her resignation. Picture: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images

Deputy chair John O’Sullivan recently resigned from his Board position to focus on business and create a Board vacancy.

“The Netball Australia Board embraces renewal to ensure a fresh injection of ideas to continue to expand our great game,’’ Archer said.

“The netball family is growing.

“With more than one million grassroots players in every town and suburb across the nation we are the heart and soul of communities.

“The sport has led the way for 97 years providing opportunities for girls and women to achieve their dreams on the court.

“We are proud that other sports are now following us in providing pathways and netball will continue to shine a light on the journey ahead.’’

The Diamonds’ success on the court has juxtaposed a chaotic spell off it. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

Archer said it was a crucial time for the sport to grow and reach new audiences with the Netball World Cup to be held in Australia in 2027.

“Netball Australia is successfully driving a commercial turnaround after the challenges of the pandemic and doing the hard work required on strategic development to continue to grow the game,” Archer said.

“Our elite competition, Suncorp Super Netball, welcomes a new team when the season starts on April 13, and our Origin Australian Diamonds sit atop of the world providing inspiration for new generations of girls and young women.’

“Netball Australia last year completed a new pay deal with our players. It was challenging, but together we have achieved a landmark agreement where players are now true partners sharing in the future growth and success of our game.’’

Archer said being Chair had been a privilege and she had faith the Netball Australia leadership would lift the sport to a new level.

An Expression of Interest process for the position has started.

Two new members have recently been appointed with Kirrily Zimmerman and Gabrielle Upton joining the board.