If you have had anything to do with Lismore Netball over the past 40 to 50 years, you would know the name Lynne Sims.

Lynne has been the heart and soul of the Association for many years and her name takes pride of place on the walls of the Ballina Road Clubhouse.

Lynne began her association with the sport back in 1961/2 playing with South Lismore Public School after the urgings of a teacher at the school, the late Alice Haynes.

She continued playing netball when she moved on to Lismore High School, playing in the school team which competed in the local competition.

Many of the "younger" netballers around the region would not realise that the home of netball in Lismore at the time were grassed courts in the area between the current Lismore Centra Caravan Park and the Lismore PCYC.

Post High School, Lynne played with a local club called Checkers with friend Robyn Pollack in the LDNA competition.

Netball then took a back seat for a number of years with Lynne marrying husband John and having three children, Nikki, Jamie and Mark.

It was after this break that Sims was chatting with a group of ladies at a soccer game where their sons played and between them, they decided to form a team to play in the Lismore Netball competition . They played with a local club at the time, Alpines.

When daughter Nikki was 8, she started playing netball with the East Lismore Netball Club run through Lismore Public School. This was the beginning of Sims' coaching involvement.

"I joined the ladies with East Lismore Netball, including Helen Baker, Yvonne Magarry and Betty Sackett to assist them with the club."

The 1992 LDNA Representative Teams.

"In 1981 I joined the Executive of LDNA on the general committee. My first role with LDNA was assisting Narelle Consalvo with publicity."

The following year, Sims managed the 13 years Lismore team that was coached by the late Marie Mackney, a combination that continued in 1983.

In 1984 Sims took on the coaching role of the Representative side, with good friend Donna Hewitt taking on the Manager role.

"Back then, to coach at LDNA all was required was an OTC (Orientation To Coaching) Certificate. Lismore Netball held the first Level 1 Coaching clinic in 1986 and I was successful in gaining my Level 1 Certificate."

The East Lismore Netball Club had the pleasure of Sims' expertise as a coach and umpire for many years. The club started out with junior and intermediate teams until enough support was established to introduce senior teams into the club.

Sims (bottom left) enjoyed many years with East Lismore Netball Club. Photo: Pam Wilson

Lynne has been lucky enough to be a part of six winning Lismore teams over the years, starting in 1989 with a 12yrs team, 1990 with an U/21’s side, a 13 yrs team in 1993, another 13yrs team in 1996, the 12's team in 2000 and the 17's team in 2011.

Whether it is was as a Coach, Assistant Coach or Manager, Lynne has been a part of the coaching staff for the LDNA from 1982 until 2012. In recent years she has provided many great photos from State Age Competitions and carnivals and mentored many up and coming officials.

Lynne has held nearly every position available on the Lismore District Netball Association Executive including President. "The only position I haven’t held is Coaching Convenor and Umpires Convenor" Sims said.

Until recent years, many people would appreciate chatting with Lynne and husband John in the canteen on a Saturday afternoon. John would be seen bagging the lollies and emptying the bins and Lynne serving up a high quality bacon and egg roll or the juniors favourite ice block.

Sims' efforts have not gone unnoticed over the years, with Lismore City Council awarding Lynne the 1998 Senior Sports Person of the Year at the annual Australia Day Awards.

In 2005, the Lismore District Netball Association awarded Lynne Life Membership, an award only bestowed on a few select women.

"In 2016 I was the recipient of the Niki Taylor Memorial Award. The medal was awarded for a commitment that embodies the spirit & love of netball."

"I have coached for many clubs over the years besides East Lismore, I have also coached teams from Daley’s, Summerlanders, Coastal Waters and Woodlawn."

The Lismore Mellows enjoyed their time at the Golden Oldies Tournaments.

Some of Lynne's fondest netball memories are travelling to several Golden Oldies Carnivals around the world with her long time friends and team mates, from Fiji, Adelaide and Hawaii to the Cook Islands.

"It was a lot of fun with a great group of ladies, we had plenty of laughs and lot's of fun."

Lynne Sims has been a major contributor to the Masters Games over the years.

At present Lynne holds the position of Vice President with the LDNA and has also been the Convenor of Netball for the Lismore Workers Masters Games for a number of years.

"I have many great memories from over the years and met some great people from local associations."

"What makes me smile most are the players I coached as young girls and they still chat to me on Saturday's and call me Mrs Sims or Simsy."

These days, Lynne enjoys spending time with family including her grandchildren and great grandchildren and wandering the courts on a Saturday catching up with old friends.