General News
15 April, 2025
50 years of women’s basketball
The Stawell Women’s Day Basketball Club celebrated its 50th anniversary with members both past and present coming together at an event to mark the milestone on Monday, April 7.

Half a century ago, a small group of local women got together to discuss their love of basketball.
They decided to formalise a regular meeting of local women to play basketball and enjoy the comradery that came with the sport.
This week, past and present players came together to celebrate a remarkable 50 years.
The Stawell Women’s Day Basketball Club celebrated its 50th anniversary with members both past and present coming together at an event to mark the milestone on Monday, April 7.
Life member of the club, active committee member and organiser of the anniversary event, Trish Ralph said the most common word used to describe the Stawell Women’s Day Basketball Club is ‘unique’.
“That couldn’t be more accurate,” she said.
“Every year I look at the Basketball Victoria awards but there really isn’t a category we fit into.
“We dance to the beat of our drum.”
The minutes of the club’s very first committee meeting, held on April 8 in 1975, and Ms Ralph commended the solid early structure of the club that has largely withstood the test of time.
Originally named the Stawell Married Women’s Basketball Club, it has twice been rebranded, adopting its current name in 2002.
Ms Ralph recalled many memorable moments and great characters to have been a part of the Stawell Women’s Day Basketball Club’s now 50-year history.
From dentures flying across the court, being rinsed off and popped back in, to a tooth being knocked out and promptly dropped on the bench to be picked up after the game.
“On all of these occasions, everyone was such good sports and play went on regardless,” Ms Ralph said.
Ms Ralph noted the camaraderie of the women at the club was always strong.
“On any given week, players can be seen dancing, hugging or walking hand in hand,” she said.
“We do attempt to throw in the odd bit of basketball in sometimes.
“I take millions of photos that reflect just how enjoyable Mondays are. The photos contain so many smiling faces and people laughing.”