Vale Neita Matthews
Hello NRGC family this message today is tinged with a hint of sadness but a never ending abundance 
of thanks and gratitude. We sadly, on occasions pay tribute at passing of one of our fellow members, it is quite a rare occasion to mention the passing of some one that isn’t a member. Neita Mathews was a rare and extraordinary individual who passed suddenly last week end. The majority of our membership, their children, their grandchildren and now great grandchildren have all benefited from her tireless voluntary work in the Ryde community across many areas but mainly in sport and her beloved netball.
As you are aware, NRGC takes great pride supporting our local community including Ryde Sports Foundation and we are quite thankful for this support of our club. It is with this value in mind the Board thought it fit and proper that we pay tribute to a Champion of our Community and Volunteers alike.
I have heard over the past few days from many people who have recalled their personal stories of the warmth and encouragement they received from Neita. I dare say there will also be some netball parents that felt the wrath of Neita when they failed to display proper sportsman ship or if they criticised an umpire. She was particularly protective of her young players and umpires. I know that Michelle’s (from the Club office) daughter, Jessica when umpiring and coping some abuse from a parent was consoled by Neita who gave her a hug and instilled her with confidence as well as giving the parent a good dressing down. My personal experience with Neita goes back at least 40 years as she was a regular at our family Fruit business in West Ryde. She really was a lovely woman and when she saw my daughter in a netball tunic in the shop one day, she lit up with excitement. For Neita it didn’t matter your skill level, it was all about doing your best, participating and having fun. There will be many thousands of stories just like that. (See below Neita’s many achievements.)
Tributes and condolences are being shared across social media, particularly in Ryde media over the passing of a woman that can simply be described as a local icon.
Neita Matthews, will be so fondly remembered for her dynamism, leadership, compassion and nurturing shown to the thousands of young sports men and women, fortunate enough to learn their trade under her tutelage.
Neita was an active Committee Member of the Ryde Sports Foundation (RSF) for more than 30 years and with others, formed the backbone of this organisation, that has showcased sporting talent in Ryde for more than forty years. Life Membership of the RSF was bestowed on Neita in 2018, one of the many acknowledgments of her immense contribution to sport in the City of Ryde, NSW and Australia over a wonderful, productive lifetime.
Neita’s impressive list of achievements also includes Life Membership of Eastwood Ryde Netball Association (1977), Life Member of Netball NSW (1980), Patron of Netball NSW since 1987, recipient of the Australian Sports Medal (2000) and Centenary Medal for service to the community through amateur sport (2003), Anne Clark Award for services to netball (2004), the Order of Australia Medal on the 2007 Australia Day Honours List and entered the Hall of Fame (2011).
On behalf of the Board, Members and Management of NRGC, our heartfelt condolences are extended to the Matthews family and our immense gratitude for her service.
Alex Cicchini – Vice President
Also, a big thank you to Ryde Sports Foundation for assisting with some of the details on one of Ryde’s many local Heroes.