Life Member Stories
Melissa Rosie
A friend of the family played for Ferntree Gully, so I decided to move from Fairpark in 1977. The club was very family orientated and members showed pride in wearing the White and Blue. Gully was renowned for players, umpires and coaches with great sportsmanship, integrity and teamwork.
Playing netball with the Club has provided me the opportunity to meet new people and develop lasting friendships. These connections have extended beyond the netball court, leading to lifelong relationships. I have fond memories of teams performing acts and skits at presentation night. Over my time at the club I have been honoured to work with many influential people including: Ron Coleman, Dick O’Connor, Gwen Brown, Avril Jones, Ethel Arrowsmith, Connie Murton, Wendy Bliss, Laurel McMaster, Wendy Solohub, Karen Bennett and Taylah Bennett.
I have had many roles within the Club – Player, Coach, Umpire, Committee Member (Umpires Convenor). After beginning playing at age 11, I learnt to umpire, coached U14's, U16's & Opens and was awarded my Life Membership in 1990. One of my proudest achievements was training the Umpires at Ferntree Gully as Umpires Convenor, and then passing that on to the Umpires at Mountain District when I took on the role of Umpires Convenor at the Association from 1996 until 2018.
Being part of Ferntree Gully Netball Club has taught me valuable life skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, and resilience. I learnt how to prioritize my time and be more tolerant and considerate to people, as you are dealing with people of all ages and abilities. These skills have been transferred to various aspects of life, including career, relationships and personal growth. Participation in sport brings people together fostering a sense of community and belonging, it provides opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to interact, build relationships, and develop teamwork skills, leading to stronger social bonds and community. Engaging in sports can boost mental well-being by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Successful sports team’s achievements can inspire others, serve as role-models, and can boost local pride and sense of accomplishment.
I would encourage all current and future members of FTG Netball club to enjoy your Netball. You can form lifelong friendships and it can give you many opportunities. It is not always about if you win your game or win a Premiership, it is about enjoyment and giving 100%.
Playing netball with the Club has provided me the opportunity to meet new people and develop lasting friendships. These connections have extended beyond the netball court, leading to lifelong relationships. I have fond memories of teams performing acts and skits at presentation night. Over my time at the club I have been honoured to work with many influential people including: Ron Coleman, Dick O’Connor, Gwen Brown, Avril Jones, Ethel Arrowsmith, Connie Murton, Wendy Bliss, Laurel McMaster, Wendy Solohub, Karen Bennett and Taylah Bennett.
I have had many roles within the Club – Player, Coach, Umpire, Committee Member (Umpires Convenor). After beginning playing at age 11, I learnt to umpire, coached U14's, U16's & Opens and was awarded my Life Membership in 1990. One of my proudest achievements was training the Umpires at Ferntree Gully as Umpires Convenor, and then passing that on to the Umpires at Mountain District when I took on the role of Umpires Convenor at the Association from 1996 until 2018.
Being part of Ferntree Gully Netball Club has taught me valuable life skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, and resilience. I learnt how to prioritize my time and be more tolerant and considerate to people, as you are dealing with people of all ages and abilities. These skills have been transferred to various aspects of life, including career, relationships and personal growth. Participation in sport brings people together fostering a sense of community and belonging, it provides opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to interact, build relationships, and develop teamwork skills, leading to stronger social bonds and community. Engaging in sports can boost mental well-being by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Successful sports team’s achievements can inspire others, serve as role-models, and can boost local pride and sense of accomplishment.
I would encourage all current and future members of FTG Netball club to enjoy your Netball. You can form lifelong friendships and it can give you many opportunities. It is not always about if you win your game or win a Premiership, it is about enjoyment and giving 100%.