National Volunteer Week 2024

Today marks the beginning of National Volunteer Week, a time to shine a spotlight on the incredible work of volunteers who make such a difference in our community.

Whether you’re involved in game day management, event planning or cooking meals, your contributions are truly appreciated.

But this week isn’t just about recognising current volunteers; it’s also about inviting others to join our currently small community of helpers.

The theme for this year, ‘Something for Everyone,’ emphasises that there’s a volunteering role suited for everyone.

Whether you’re passionate about footy, netball, or something else, there’s a place for you to make a difference at St Mary’s. Remember, without volunteers, our club wouldn’t exist.

Club President Mark Stanley, shares our gratitude for volunteers.

“Volunteers are the heart and soul of our club, without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Their commitment is the driving force behind our success, and we are forever grateful for their tireless efforts.”

“On behalf of the Club, I’d like to pass on a big thank you to our selfless volunteers. Your hard work and passion have made a real difference at St Mary’s, and we are grateful for your ongoing support.”⁠

Senior Women soar in Division 1

In a remarkable display of talent, our Senior Women’s team defeated reigning Division 1 Premiers Montmorency today!

With a convincing 21-point win, our team left everyone impressed, keeping the the former champions to just one goal.

This victory show the team’s dedication to excellence and their ability to compete at the highest level. It is a testament to the hard work and commitment of every player and coach involved.

Congratulations to our Senior Women’s team. Let’s continue to support them as they aim for further success in Division 1.

Celebrating diversity: Netball’s inaugural Harmony Round

Tonight our netball teams participated in the NFNL’s inaugural Harmony Round, celebrating our multicultural society and the benefits it brings.

Our players donned orange ribbons in their hair to show our commitment to embodying cultural inclusivity and diversity . Why orange? Orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect.

Netball, like any sport, has the remarkable ability to bring people together, transcending cultural and language barriers. So, let’s carry the spirit of harmony round with us, both in our sporting endeavours and in our everyday interactions.

Standing against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination

Today is International Day against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination (IDAHOBIT Day).

In 1990, homosexuality was rightfully removed from the WHO Classification of diseases. Yet, LGBTQIA+ communities still face discrimination.

Sport has a long history of exclusion towards LGBTQIA+ people and many don’t see sport as a safe space because of the continued prevalence of discrimination and hostility.

At our club, we’re committed to creating a safe space for everyone. We stand against the exclusion that has plagued sports. Let’s support our LGBTQIA+ teammates and club members. Together, we can make our club a place where everyone feels welcome and can enjoy sports freely.

Meet our newest sponsor: Mortgage Choice Rosanna

Meet Marty from Mortgage Choice in Rosanna, one of our new sponsors for 2024!

If you’re looking for the best home loan, Marty and his team are here to help. They’ll search through hundreds of options from over 35 lenders to find the right loan tailored to your needs—all at no cost to you! Don’t worry though you’re still in control; you choose the rate, lender, and features that suit you best. Marty even helped senior player buy Noah Stanley buy his first home last year.

Here’s a glimpse of what Marty brings to the table:

  • He’s local.
  • He’s been a Mortgage Broker for almost 12 years.
  • He can help with your first home, investment or a second opinion on your current loan.
  • He’s a huge Bombers supporter.
  • And the best part? His home loan service is FREE!

Local: Proudly serving the Rosanna community.

Show your support by following @MCinRosanna on Facebook. And if you’re ready to connect with Marty directly, simply call or SMS 0419 587 863 (don’t forget to mention you’re from St Mary’s).

Get ready for the Big Freeze

Let’s make a splash and support the Big Freeze Round with the NFNL from June 12-16!

Grab your beanie or socks at Coles, Bunnings, or online. Some awesome supporters
like Joel (pictured below) have already got their gear!

Proceeds will fund cutting-edge MND research to find effective treatments and ultimately a cure, as well as care support initiatives for Australians living with MND.

Let’s paint the stands blue to show our support for this important cause.

Don’t forget, you can also make a donation to help fight this devastating disease.

2024 Music Trivia

Get ready to rock the night away at our annual Music Trivia Night!

Join us on for a jam-packed evening on 15 June of groovy beats from the 60s, 70s & 80s and brain-teasing questions, complete with live band Silverwater.

The bar will be open, you can bring your favourite snacks and let the good times roll! Don’t forget to dress to impress in your favourite musical gear from any era.

Tickets only $25 per person. Have a great night all while giving back to the Club.

Pat Cronin Foundation Round 2024: Standing against violence in sports

Sports have always been a source of joy, entertainment and healthy competition. Unfortunately, incidents of cowardly punches and violence have tarnished sporting events in recent years. That’s why events like the Pat Cronin Foundation Round are so crucial in not only remembering those who have been affected violence, but also in taking a stand to end this behaviour once and for all.

At St Mary’s, we were honoured to participate in the Pat Cronin Round once again this year – an event that holds deep significance for the entire sporting community. Pat’s story serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of senseless acts of violence. His memory fuels our commitment to creating a safer and more respectful sporting environment for everyone involved.

We showed our support by wearing yellow armbands in both netball and football matches. Yellow, the colour chosen to symbolise the Pat Cronin Foundation, represented our commitment to standing against coward punches and violence in sports.

The Pat Cronin Round may be over for this year, but our commitment to its cause will continue. We will continue to advocate for a sporting culture that values kindness and compassion to create a future where sports is truly a place of unity, respect and safety.

Eat pancakes and win for St Mary’s!

Exciting news, pancake lovers and St Mary’s supporters! We’re now part of The Pancake Parlour Club Rewards program.

Here’s the scoop: for every dollar you spend at any Pancake Parlour location, St Mary’s earns 1 point. And that’s just the beginning of the perks! Throughout the campaign, we have the opportunity to earn up to $6000, along with other fantastic rewards for our Club, players, and supporters. How does a pancake dinner for 50 people sound?

But wait, there’s more! If we manage to clinch the top spot on the leaderboard in our local league, we’ll pocket $1,000. Plus, there’s an additional incentive of $1,000 to $5,000 if we secure a place between 1st and 5th in the overall leaderboard.

To help us win, complete the following steps:

1. Sign up: Join the Lovely Rewards program and select ‘St Mary’s Senior Football Netball Club’ under the ‘Club’ dropdown via the app or online.

2. Eat pancakes: Every time you dine in, scan/add your member card. Forgot? Just let the staff know at the counter, and they’ll ensure your points are attributed to St Mary’s.

And that’s all there is to it! Just for even more incentive, once we reach 500 points, our high performers will receive $50 vouchers. So, indulge in those pancake stacks guilt free – you’re just doing your bit to help your local club.

Oh, and here’s a little tip: if you’re planning a gathering of 10 or more people, be sure to book here for bonus points.

AFL Victoria recognise our Local Legend Jessie Bickerton

We often hear about the stars on the field, but what about the unsung heroes – the ones who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make it all possible? In the world of footy, Jessie Bickerton is one such legend and AFL Victoria are giving her and other local legends the recognition they deserve.

AFL Victoria’s Local Legends campaign is shining a spotlight on individuals like Jessie – the heartbeat of local clubs and communities. Her dedication to women’s footy has made a huge impact; it’s carved out a path for future generations of women in sport.

From being a photographer, team manager and more, Jessie’s contributions have shaped our culture, broke down barriers, and fostered inclusivity.

As we applaud Jessie’s achievements, let’s also remember the countless other local legends like her at St Mary’s, who embody the true essence of the game.