An enthusiastic player, coach, umpire and administrator, the 66-year-old grandmother of four - who was made a life member of the association in 2000 - said one of her greatest pleasures was teaching and mentoring young players and umpires.

"I found that many of the junior girls who had left Nelson Bay after finishing school to attend work and study would return, giving me the opportunity to coach their daughters and granddaughters," she said.

"I enjoy coaching the young kids, bringing to them the joy of achievement and socialisation with fun being paramount."

In more recent years Calder held the position of junior coordinator, liaising with many new players, parents and carers, helping form teams and making them feel welcome.

"Nelson Bay netball is a small, friendly community and I have made some wonderful friends along the way. I am proud of my past contribution, and although I no longer have a desire to attend committee meetings I will continue to be part of junior teams as friend and coach," she said.

"I will continue to observe the game from the sidelines, proud of my contributions and years of service to our extended netball family."

The Calders arrived in Port Stephens in 1979 from South Australia.

"My daughter was eight years old in 1984 when I joined a fledgling Nelson Bay club at the old 'dump' oval. I had played netball as a child and was happy to return in a B grade team," Calder said.

"Our numbers grew steadily to 300 in the eighties, then over 500 in the nineties. There was great camaraderie and our juniors flourished with every court filled at every time slot. During those years, I would travel into Newcastle during the spring to umpire in a twilight comp.

"With the increase in membership and the growth of the sport in Port Stephens, I began selling drinks from the back of my station wagon, then added sandwiches, drinks, etc, and our canteen was born. Fundraising activities soon followed."

After the Nelson Bay association was established, Calder helped accompany representative teams to carnivals and after gaining her National C umpires badge she would officiate at state age competitions in Sydney.

Eventually, the association moved to new courts at Salamander Bay, including the addition of two new courts to take the total to six, which also had the luxury of a meeting room, toilets and change rooms.

Previously, committee meetings had been held at members' homes.

In addition to being canteen manager for many years, Calder has also held the positions of president, vice-president, treasurer, assistant treasurer and she has been a member of the judiciary sub-committee, umpires committee, social committee and badging panel.

"I had intended to continue my umpiring into 2020, while taking a few short breaks but COVID-19 has put a hold to those plans."

Calder said that she would miss the many friends she had made during her time at Nelson Bay.

"I wish it well in the future."

She also paid tribute to her family and the many committee members who have played such as integral part in ensuring the growth and development of the association. Some of those early pioneers included Del Saunders, Helen Scott, Diane Keeley, Pam Norman, Cathy Edmunds and Jenny Abercrombie.