Participating in community events is a great way to meet new people and to become accustomed to living in a new town, as I learnt almost three years ago when I made the move from Shepparton, in North East Victoria, all the way up to sunny Swan Hill. As Chrissie detailed in last weeks' blog, through working at GMG we participate in Relay for Life each year. We are also actively involved in Meals on Wheels, and sponsorship of a number of sporting clubs.

I personally have been lucky enough to be a member of the Murrabit Football Netball Club since I moved to Swan Hill. I've always been an avid netballer, and when the opportunity arose to accompany my boyfriend to the footy one weekend, it ignited my passion to participate again. I was welcomed into the club with open arms and a place on the court, and was lucky enough to qualify for finals in A and B Grade that year.

One of the many exceptional qualities of the Murrabit Football Netball Club is their acceptance of every girl who is looking for a game. In 2011, our B Reserve team was made up of 16 girls. It was a tough gig for the coaches when it came time to pick teams for finals, but the resilience of the girls who sat on the sidelines and their elation when the final whistle blew and they'd won the premiership was undeniable. 

It is not only the coaches who take on the high pressure positions for the netball season. I was appointed treasurer of the netball club this year, and being a committee member has really opened my eyes to the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to keep the club running. Our president and secretary are two of the most patient and hard working people I have met. Not only do they take on their official duties with ease, but they solve a myriad of problems that are way beyond their job descriptions. Their willingness to take on any task they are presented with is very humbling. Without these volunteers and the many others who give up their time to help out, the club would not be the success that it is today.

The true success of the Murrabit Football Netball Club can be seen through it's players and supporters, who in their large numbers come back each year to participate and strive towards the elusive premiership. This year we had our three senior netball grades make the finals, along with our Seniors, Reserves and Under 17's football. Unfortunately our B Grade netball teams' journey is over, but the other five teams dreams are still alive. This weekend we have our preliminary final, where our A Grade netball, Senior and Under 17's footy will compete to win a place alongside the B Reserve netball and Reserves footy in the grand final. The nerves are there, but I'm excited and very proud to be representing my club with some of the best people I know.

GO BLUES!

(Photo's are: First photo A Grade Premiership Team 2010; Second Photo B Reserve Premiership 2011)