EVERY time the Moroneys enter the gates of the Gardens Oval in Port Fairy, they are reminded of the special place their daughter held in people’s hearts.
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The 20-year-old’s name now takes pride of place on the new Rebekah Moroney Memorial Netball Changerooms beside the courts at the Seagulls’ home base.
The facility was named in honour of the talented netballer who tragically died on Australia Day last year when a freak blood clot blocked both her lungs.
Mick and Loretta Moroney and Rebekah’s sisters, Jessica, 23, and Sarah, 19, witnessed the official unveiling yesterday before the Seagulls’ Hampden league senior game against North Warrnambool Eagles.
Port Fairy stalwart and family friend Bev Bourke spoke of Rebekah’s contribution to the club. She played more than 50 A grade games and also won the Hampden league under 17 best and fairest award in 2010.
Mr Moroney described the event as “very emotional”.
He said he could not comprehend how people could deal with grief without the support of clubs, the community or neighbours.
“The support that we got was phenomenal,” he said.
“You might not all agree at times, but the people who are all there for you when you need it is amazing. It’s like a big family.”
It’s not just a one-way deal for the Moroneys, who are heavily involved with the Seagulls. Mick has been netball co-ordinator for the past four years, Loretta is the senior team manager and Sarah plays for the seniors and coaches the under 17s. Jessica previously played with the club but now plays and coaches at Springbank, near Ballarat.
The changerooms are part of a bigger redevelopment project at the netball courts, which have been extended and have a new shelter area along their southern boundary.
The facilities were officially opened in a ceremony attended by Member for Geelong Christine Couzens, Moyne Shire mayor Colin Ryan and club president and councillor Mick Wolfe.
