By Renae Smyth
A semi-circle of flames had formed around the historic timber town, cutting off roads and isolating locals with limited supplies.
To help communities across Victoria’s east get what they need and back on their feet, army reservists from Australia and Fiji were deployed to the area for Operation Bushfire Assist.
An operation that required a base camp – a home away from home for the army contingent.
Ringing true to the selfless netball philosophy, the Orbost Snowy Rovers Football Netball Club were “here if you need” not only for the army, but for the wider East Gippsland community.
Club President, Royston “Doc” Nettleton was proud to be able to offer his facilities to support the recovery of Orbost and the surrounding townships.
“I know we’re a Football Netball Club – but my theory is we also provide a service for our community,” Nettleton said.
Taking their recovery one step at a time, netballers in Orbost wanted that first step to be onto the netball court.
Even amongst the rows of khaki tents, the netball family has been eager to get their season and life back on track.
“The Army have been fantastic in saying yes, it is your venue, but we don’t want to interrupt your season,” Nettleton said.
“On the first couple of days back everyone was walking around like a zombie to a degree.”
“But getting back to a bit of football and netball has brought a bit of normality back to life and has really just allowed us to try and get on with it.”
Sporting clubs are at the heart regional communities, clearly playing a role in both times of celebration and crisis.
“It’s also been a place where the community can come and chat about things, that’s why football netball clubs are so important to little towns like ours.”
