Annual General Meeting Wrap-Up

At our recent Annual General Meeting, we were proud to present the 2024 MENA Annual Report, highlighting the milestones, achievements, and future direction of our association.

Click here to view the report.

Welcoming Our New President – Andrew Conway

We are delighted to announce that Andrew Conway has been elected as the new President of the MENA Board.

Andrew brings with him extensive leadership and governance experience, and a strong commitment to community service. He currently serves as the Group CEO of the Institute of Public Accountants and holds academic appointments as a Professor at both Deakin University and Shanghai University, specialising in accounting, education, commercial law, and artificial intelligence.

His impressive portfolio of government appointments includes board roles with Western Health, Eastern Health, and the Tax Practitioners Board. Andrew is also an active contributor to the local community, serving as Chair of the Aquinas College School Board and President of Radio Eastern.

Andrew’s combination of strategic insight, professional leadership, and genuine community engagement makes him an exceptional fit for MENA. We are excited to welcome him to the role and look forward to the next chapter of growth and progress under his leadership.

Introducing New Board Members – Michelle and Ange

We are also very pleased to welcome Michelle Atkin-Brown and Ange Wood to the MENA Board.

Michelle has been a passionate and dedicated volunteer within the netball community for over eight years through her work with Mullum Netball Club, where she has held roles as a Committee Member and Member Protection Officer. Professionally, Michelle works in Human Resources and Workplace Relations with the Department of Justice and Community Safety, and brings with her a wealth of experience in people management, policy implementation, and conflict resolution.

In addition to her professional and club roles, Michelle also serves as the Child Safety Officer at Ariels VCNA, further reinforcing her strong understanding of safeguarding and welfare in youth sport. Her deep connection to the netball community, combined with her professional expertise, will be an invaluable asset to the MENA Board.

Ange Wood joins the board with a background in both community sport and healthcare. Ange has been a committed volunteer with the Park Orchards Netball Committee since the COVID period and has served as a valued member of the MENA Standing Committee.

Professionally, Ange is a registered nurse, specialising in paediatrics, with over 23 years of experience. Her career has included roles in bedside nursing and departmental leadership, and she has completed additional studies in Adolescent Health and Welfare. Ange’s leadership style is collaborative and grounded in care—qualities that will greatly benefit our community.

We are incredibly excited to welcome both Michelle and Ange and look forward to the contributions they will bring to MENA.

Thank You – Amy and Cheryl

As we welcome new faces to the board, we also take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of two incredible leaders: Amy, our outgoing President, and Cheryl, our Secretary and Representative Program Lead.

Amy joined the MENA Board in 2021 and, from the outset, stepped into the demanding role of President with courage, clarity, and care. She led MENA through one of the most challenging periods in our history—the COVID-19 pandemic—helping to keep our community connected and supported throughout the uncertainty.

Over the past three years, Amy has driven major improvements in governance, helping to lay strong foundations for the future. She played a key role in developing and implementing the MENA Strategic Plan, a document that now guides our commitment to inclusion, growth, and progress across all levels of our association.

Beyond these achievements, Amy’s leadership style has left a lasting impression on everyone she worked with. She has been approachable, thoughtful, and deeply committed to doing what’s best for our community. Her empathy, professionalism, and integrity have shaped MENA in immeasurable ways, and we are so grateful for her service.

Cheryl has also been an integral part of the MENA Board, leading both as Secretary and as the driving force behind our Representative Program.

Since returning post-COVID, Cheryl has played a key role in rebuilding and elevating our Rep Program into one of the most sought-after in the region. Her leadership has delivered outstanding results, from the coordination of Family Day and key tournaments to the return to Mildura, a much-loved highlight for our senior athletes. She also led the introduction of our boys’ representative team, and most recently, helped establish the very first MENA Representative Tournament on home courts—a major milestone for our association.

Cheryl’s leadership has always been grounded in authenticity, compassion, and a strong commitment to fairness and process. She has consistently championed what’s best for our players and our broader netball community.

Amy and Cheryl, your dedication, hard work, and vision have made a profound and lasting impact on MENA. On behalf of the entire MENA community, we thank you for your incredible contributions and wish you both all the best in your next chapter.