February 1 - 28, 2025: Issue 639
Proposal to rename Warriewood Greenspace as 'Ronda Alterator Reserve' Endorsed
Ronda Alterator OAM. Image supplied.
The council has endorsed the proposal to name the Reserve at 3 Boondah Road, Warriewood as Ronda Alterator Reserve at the meeting held February 18, 2025.
'Naming this very popular area the Ronda Alterator Reserve honours the dedication, contribution and devotion of Ronda Alterator (OAM) towards netball and our local community over many years.' council stated in a release
Mayor Sue Heins said the naming of the reserve is a tribute to Mrs Alterator.
“It is a fitting accolade to her unwavering commitment over many years to promoting and encouraging sporting participation and excellence and to building community spirit.
“Mrs Alterator dedicated over 42 years to Narrabeen Youth Club Netball including 9 years as the director. She also volunteered as president, vice president, coach, coordinator and umpires’ convener over those years. She was deservedly honoured with a life membership.
In 2020, Mrs Alterator was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for service to netball.
“Council is proud to the acknowledge the legacy of Ronda Alterator OAM by naming the Boondah Road Reserve in her honour,” said Mayor Heins.
Mrs Alterator’s contributions to netball were recognised with multiple awards over the years.
Mrs Alterator was a dedicated and valued member of the Narrabeen Youth Club (NYC) for over 42 years, including nine years as the Director. She was honoured with NYC life membership to recognise her commitment and passion to the NYC. Her volunteering contributions to NYC Netball also included President, Vice President, Coach, Net Set Go Coordinator, Umpires Convener and being on the grading committee.
Mrs Alterator also volunteered on various Manly Warringah Netball Association committees including grading, competition and coaching committees.
Her community service was not just limited to netball. She volunteered on various local P&Cs raising much needed funds for local schools as well as being involved in senior citizen programs.
Mrs Alterator passed away on 10 April 2024, aged 82.
The council will now seek the approval of the Geographical Names Board of NSW for the new reserve name. Once approved new signs will be installed and a naming ceremony held in the Reserve with Ronda’s family and friends and the Narrabeen Youth Club Netball.
Narrabeen Youth Club began in May 1965, when Narrabeen R.S.L called for a meeting at which every sporting code with the name “Narrabeen” could attend. These included ‘The Narrabeen Amateur Soccer club’, ‘North Narrabeen Cricket Club’ and the ‘Swallows Basketball Club’. These associations agreed to join forces to form what we know today as the Narrabeen Youth Club.
Initially the youth club had gymnastics, physical culture, yoga, ballroom dancing, softball, netball, soccer, cricket, badminton, squash, fishing, drama classes, boxing, junior gymnastics. These sports folded after a while due to the lack of people, volunteers to run them. Narrabeen Youth Club continues to manage both football and netball clubs.
The Narrabeen Youth Club’s home is Warriewood /North Narrabeen. Our local community stretches from Narrabeen to Warriewood and even up to Elanora Heights. North Narrabeen beach and lagoon are the most beautiful parts of the Northern Beaches. It is our favourite because of the ideal location with its spectacular scenery.
From North Narrabeen across the headland to Turimetta Beach and Warriewood Beach, they offer so much to our local community. Families utilize the beaches for fitness training, swimming, walking tracks, rock climbing, social gatherings, family outings. They really enjoy the outdoor lifestyle this area has to offer.
The club’s motto is “Citizenship through Sport and Culture”. Narrabeen Youth Club is a very community orientated club who supports local families.
From 2014 interview with Ted Blackwood- Founder and Patron of Narrabeen Youth Club, by Keely McDonough