By BRIDGET SCOTT
THE popularity of the Nar Nar Goon Netball Club was highlighted last Saturday night when a crowd of about 100 people turned out to celebrate its 75th anniversary.
Past and present members piled in to the Nar Nar Goon Hall to celebrate the club and join in the launch of a commemorative booklet that was put together by club members.
Children’s author and member of the club Alison Hume said she was honoured to be launching the book.
“This book is a celebration of strong women,” she said.
Eleven of the club’s 18 life members were part of the night, which also included the unveiling of an honour board and the Brydie Cunningham Memorial Trophy which will go to the A Grade best and fairest.
An emotional Pauline Mackinnon, daughter of Brydie Cunningham, was present on the night and accepted the trophy on behalf of the Cunngingham family.
“Mum would’ve been so happy today,” she said.
“We were brought up knowing that netball is as important as footy.”
Brydie Cunningham established the Nar Nar Goon Basketball Club, which is now the Netball Club, and was its first president.
She was also the first president of the West Gippsland Basketball Association.
Mrs Mackinnon (nee Cunningham) said her mother saw a need for netball and her “sense of community” was paramount, so she acted on this.
To make this occasion more special, a member of the original basketball team was present at the celebrations last week.
Ninety-one-year-old Rita Matthews, the only living member of the first team, was the guest of honour for the night and graced the crowd with her presence.
The hall was set up with stands for each era, all the way back to the 1950s up to the present day.
A panel of seven speakers, both past and present players, entertained the crowd and answered questions during the night.
Former A Grade gun Kris Shelton proved popular on the night and recalled Thursday nights after training.
“We were always the last to leave the rooms,” she said.
“Then we would head down to the servo, grab a couple of steamed dim sims and discuss how hard training was,” she said.
Ms Shelton, who originally played at the Pakenham Netball Club, said she has never known a club like Nar Nar Goon.
Current player Maisie Henwood was emotional as she said the club has had a huge impact on her life, while past player Lesley Mayson urged everyone to give back to their club what it’s given to them.
“Pay it forward,” she said.
Ms Mayson said without Brydie Cunnginham and past member Phyliss Byrne, she would never have been part of the club.
The night also honoured member of 54 years Donna Handley, daughter of the late Phyliss Byrne.
Current president of the Netball Club Sandy Keysers was thrilled to see a huge crowd there to celebrate the years of the club.
She said the club will “always be indebted” to Brydie Cunningham and said the occasion was a “great opportunity to celebrate and an exciting occasion”.
“For many people, this club is a way of life,” she said.
