NAVARRE - You often hear these days that country football is dying.
Navarre people might have something to say about that, with the Navarre Football Club set to celebrate its 100th birthday in 2011.
The club, formed in 1911, celebrates its centenary next year.
To mark this momentous occasion the Navarre Football/Netball Club is compiling its history.
''For a town of about 80 people, the fact that the club continues to field four football and four netball teams could be seen as a minor miracle,'' project manager Louise Hocking (nee Bibby) said.
She believes, however, the reason the club is still going strong is down to the hard-working people of the town and club rather than divine intervention.
Ms Hocking said the club's success is not just down to the people of Navarre.
''Many people from around Stawell, St Arnaud and the smaller country towns and farming areas of the district have played for the club over the last 99 years. Some even continue to come from much further away. The club couldn't have continued without them,'' she said.
''That's why we're calling for contributions to our history project from anyone who has ever played football or netball for Navarre.''
The first stage of the history project involves collecting all photos, newspaper cuttings, old programs, videos, etc and copying them onto a computer.
The challenge is to find all these photos and other items of memorabilia.
The Northern Grampians Shire has provided the NFNC with a community grant to assist with the first stage of the project.
The club now has until June 30 this year to use this grant and complete the first stage.
As a way of getting people involved and looking into their cupboards and bookshelves for memorabilia, the NFNC is holding a meeting this Friday, February 26.
People are invited to go along to the Navarre Recreation Reserve at 7.30pm to hear more about the history project and to bring along at least some of their memorabilia.
''We want everything we can get our hands on in order to make a digital record of all things related to the footy club, whether it be relating to games, social events, personal items or awards. We want it all!'' Ms Hocking said.
Anyone who has the means and ability to scan photos would also be very welcome to be part of the project team - regardless of any links with the football club.
For more information call Louise Hocking on 0431379899 or email louise@itsmylifeproject.com.au
Navarre 1999 Premiership Team photo courtesy of Stawell Times
Last Modified on 02/03/2010 22:04
