Sobey has been appointed as the new chairwoman of the Seahawks and Mermaids, taking over the role from John Bowman.

But being the chief won't see her hold all the power after the club implemented new sub-committees.

"We've got lots of hard workers," she said.

"We've got sub-committees, so people will look after sponsorship, functions and events, catering, canteen, then we have a delegate for the league.

"We've done it this way so not one person is in control. It's a joint venture."

She explained the club reached crisis stage.

"In October the expression from the old committee was that not a lot were going to be standing," she said.

"We had a get together for those who wanted to keep the Seahawks and Mermaids alive and worked out how to go about this.

"It was expressed that if people didn't put their hand up to form a new committee, there may not have been a Seahawks and Mermaids."

Sobey was pleased with the response.

"As we all know, volunteer positions are very hard to fill," she said.

"It's easier to sit back, watch your kids and walk away but the things you need to do to get them on the court are mind boggling."

Sobey is looking forward to 2010, which will see newly-appointed coaches Tim Gainey and Peter Davis take charge of the Seahawks and Mermaids respectively.

"Tim's got a great vision for the boys and Peter has a multitude of experience to bring," she said.

"I think we mainly have to develop a rapport with the community.

"We have a lot of juniors on the court and when they're not winning, people don't come, which is unfortunate because everyone has to start from somewhere.

"The support from the crowd at some home games was unbelievable (last season).

"We want to try and get that back in the stadium all the time.

"It's hard because we're up against the footy season.

"It's a bit of a vicious circle ? basketball had its time, then netball. There's a pattern but hopefully we get back in that circle."

Sobey - who was a member of the Warrnambool Swimming Club committee for 13 years - is the second female to hold the top job after Bev Crooks.