In the words of Lou-anne Mooney — netball coordinator at Swifts Creek Football Netball Club in East Gippsland, and netball development coordinator for the Omeo District Football Netball League — football and netball clubs are the hub of small Australian communities.
Mooney moved to the area in 2006 where she was encouraged to join the local netball team at Swifts Creek Football Netball Club. She eventually hit her stride as an umpire and committee member, remaining heavily involved 16 seasons later as a coordinator, umpire, mentor, and delegate — basically whatever is required on the day.
The Swifts Creek Football Netball Club has its roots in an agricultural community. While the club is made up of players and members from a variety of backgrounds, the community’s farming families make up a significant representation.
In many ways, Mooney says the club relies on the region’s farming families for team numbers, support, and sponsorship. Many agriculture-based fundraisers have been developed by members over the years, including sheep and cattle sales that were raised on the farms of local players and supporters.
As much as Swifts Creek Football Netball Club draws on these farming members, Mooney hopes the benefits of the relationship are reciprocated. The club is perhaps as social, as it is competitive, hosting weekly Thursday night barbecues to keep everyone connected. “Particularly last year and the year before, when we were allowed to socialise, these Thursday nights were really important for our community,” Mooney said.
These values are aligned with WorkSafe Victoria, a proud supporter of country netball for over 20 years via the WorkSafe Country Netball League (WCNL). All clubs and leagues affiliated with the WCNL must agree to comply with and promote WorkSafe Victoria’s message of workplace safety.
For a town of only 278 people, Swifts Creek certainly punches above its weight when it comes to netball. The club currently comprises four grades (A; B; 17 & Under; and mixed 12 & Under), and is continuing to grow, especially the 12 & Under grade that has increased in male participation in recent years.
There’s plenty of exciting projects in the pipeline for Swifts Creek Football Netball Club, including a major upgrade to the facilities and courts at Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve, but the main intention is to continue fostering community spirit.
As Mooney said, “Our goal is to continue to be a place that people want to support, and where they can come to connect and play.”
