The netball complex at Miranda was established in 1970, with a stadium added in 1983. Picture by Murray Trembath

The Miranda netball complex known as Bellingara for more than 50 years will be renamed in honour of Margaret Corbett OAM.

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Mrs Corbett, who was a netball pioneer in Sutherland Shire and prominent at local, state, national and international levels, died in 2025 at the age of 95.

Netball grand final at the Bellingara complex. File picture by John Veage

Sutherland Shire Council unanimously agreed at Monday night's meeting to change the name of the centre to Margaret Corbett Netball Complex.

A council report said during a community consultation process, 58 online survey submissions and nine email submissions were received, of which 81 per cent were in favour, with 71 per cent identifying they currently visit the complex.

"Those not in support raised concerns about changing the name Bellingara, citing its perceived First Nations heritage and the potential for confusion given the longstanding use and recognition of the existing name," the report said.

"While the total number of submissions is modest, the level of support is clear and consistent across both survey and written feedback channels.

Margaret Corbett in 2013 when she was awarded an OAM. Picture John Veage

"No alternative naming proposal received material support. The concerns raised have been carefully considered and can be addressed through the retention and interpretation of the name 'Bellingara' within the site."

The complex opened in 1970, with a stadium added in 1983.

"The [renaming] proposal is consistent with Council's established approach of recognising individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the community," the report said.

Gymea resident and netball parent Robert Campbell has made a late appeal in an email to councillors to retain the present name, saying "considerable resources, at the expense of ratepayers, have been wasted".

Mr Campbell said only a small number of people supported the proposal, while the vast majority of shire residents had shown no interest or support.

"The netball courts have long been known by the far more locationally meaningful and useful name of Bellingara netball courts, as they are in Bellingara Road. Let it stay that way," he wrote.