In 1966 Caringbah Thistles originated from the Presbyterian Church in Caringbah.
It was brought about by two very good friends named Vicki Poat and Heather McDonnell who were members of the PFA (Presbyterian Fellowship of Australia), a youth group within the church. The group was made up of both boys and girls aged 16-20.
A number of girls wanted to play netball together as a team and did not want to join a club that was already established as they did not want to be graded. Vicki was already playing playing with Cronulla RSL and could not join these girls but agreed to give them a hand. So Vicki and Heather went along to the “Manse” (Minister’s Home) in Caringbah Road and sought the assistance of Reverend John Baillie. He agreed for there team to go ahead as long as it did not interfere with Fellowship on a Sunday night.
This was to be a one team club and from memory I think it was in that first year we went shopping for the uniform which was a beautiful three box pleat tartan with a blue stripe with a white school blouse underneath. The Thistle was to be our emblem because it was the crest of the Presbyterian Church of Australia.
The word spread and the club grew, the uniform had to be changed as there was only enough tartan material for the very first team. A committee was formed and those early days were with Gwen Fisher and Heather Porter who were very good friends as were their families, both their daughters were playing netball. As the Fishers had lived opposite Vicki all their lives, it was an excellent choice that she should be on the committee. Nona Henderson also played a major part in the early days of this club. Colours for clubs were running so it was agreed to change the uniform to grey but keep the club crest, the Thistle.
Our club has grown from strength to strength and is one of the most respected clubs in the Sutherland Shire. A number of our players have been and are current representative players.
We have grown from humble beginnings to now having 30 teams registered.
Extract from ; “Sutherland Shire Netball Association Inc, 50th Anniversary 2010
Published 2010 Cliff Lewis Printing
