Avoca Netball

Through the 1930s the game grew in popularity. In 1932 each colour team had its own captain, with Elma Brown serving as club captain, and matches against visiting teams such as Maryborough drew strong local support. Grand finals were hard-fought affairs – one famous Red vs Orange final required multiple extra quarters before a winner could be decided. A surviving photograph from the mid-1930s shows an Avoca side crowned premiers, a reminder of how long the sport has been part of the town’s story.

The birth of modern netball in the district – then called women’s basketball – is closely tied to the Lexton Football League and the vision of the late Ray Bibby. After the league president raised the idea of forming a basketball association, a public meeting in the Avoca Shire Hall drew more than 30 people and overwhelming support. The Avoca Basketball Club was formed alongside the Football Social Committee, with the football club paying for an earthen court at the southern end of the Public Park. Nets and a ball were donated by Mr H. Everett of the Victoria Hotel, and the first office bearers included Mrs Frank Jolly (President), Mrs D. Williams (Secretary) and Mrs E. Robson (Treasurer).

Early teams featured players such as Gwen Atkinson, Eileen Harrison, Lorraine Pugh, Elaine Pora, Lorraine Morris and Marlene O’Neill, with experienced coach and umpire Mrs Norma Forrest guiding the side. Results were mixed in the early years, but the foundations were laid: strong local leadership, a pathway for young players, and a clear connection between the football and netball communities.

On-court success began to build through the 1960s. Under the leadership of women like Wendy Scott (Robertson), Merle Streeter (Gothard) and Mavis Scott, Avoca climbed the ladder and developed a reputation for skill and determination. The breakthrough came in 1967 when the seniors finished on top after the home-and-away season and went on to win Avoca’s first senior premiership, defeating Natte-Bealiba 24–19. The following year was truly historic: in 1968 Avoca won the premiership in all four grades – seniors, reserves, thirds and fourths – with all teams finishing the season as minor premiers and then claiming their grand finals.

From that point on, Avoca became one of the power clubs of the Lexton competition. By the early 1990s the seniors had played in finals 20 times, winning nine premierships and rarely missing September action. The reserves and junior grades built an equally formidable record, with Under 17 and Under 14 teams regularly reaching – and winning – grand finals, including runs of back-to-back flags through the 1970s and 1980s. Strong junior development ensured that talented players were constantly coming through the ranks.

Just as important as premierships has been the contribution of the club’s many stalwarts. Names such as Wendy (Scott) Robertson, Merle (Streeter) Gothard, Doreen Hunter, Loralee Field, Leah and Colleen Harris, Maree Jess, Carol (Lobb) Evans, Gaylene (Lobb) Collison, the Gaylard sisters Leanne and Janelle, and many others have been central as players, coaches, umpires and office bearers. Several have been honoured with life membership in recognition of decades of service both on and off the court.

Today, Avoca Netball Club stands on the shoulders of these pioneers: schoolgirls playing on earthen courts, volunteers fundraising for nets and balls, and generations of women and girls who have worn the red, white and blue with pride. The club’s history is one of community, continuity and competitive spirit – a story that continues to grow with every new season.