The Memoir of the Berri Blazers Basketball and Berri Netball Clubs project set out to capture and document their rich history over the past 70 years. The activity provided a sense of meaning and connection to the older people whose hard work and dedication have been integral to the longevity and success of both clubs.

Developing the memoir required enthusiastic and passionate group of current club members to delve into 60+ years of records from local newspaper – 'The Murray Pioneer’ - and speak with club life members and significant community members, about their contributions to the clubs from foundation to current times. As one life member stated, “They say when you read a book, you're never lonely, well I say, when you play your sport, you’re never lonely.” It’s a sentiment capturing the vital role of local sporting clubs in building connections and relationships.

The project saw people reconnect and fostered dialogue between generations as current club members interviewed life members about their involvement, memories, and connection with the clubs. This knowledge sharing brought a new perspective, with younger members expressing admiration for newly-identified older role models and contributed to the formation of friendships across generations. Life members and past members continue to be involved in awards and ceremonies and are frequently seen around the clubs.

The Berri Blazers Basketball Club and Berri Netball Club showcased their research at a Community History event facilitated by the Berri Our Town community group. The large display was very well received with strong interest in the uniforms throughout the years, the hundreds of photos presented via photo albums and the on-screen parade of player photos from the 1950s.

A short documentary, Berri Blazers Basketball Club - Past, Present and Emerging supported by Office for Ageing Well through Grants for Seniors 2022-2023, captured the stories of past premiership players and life members of the club. It highlighted the clubs’ strong legacies and recognised the historical significance of sporting clubs and the people who made them.

Over 150 community members attended the launch of the documentary – at a netball home game. The smiling faces of attendees and the sideline discussions exemplified the significance of the sporting clubs for all members of the community, no matter their ages.

For further information please contact: Chrissy Eleftheriadis on 0448 887 754 or email the Combined Basketball, Netball & Associated Sports Committee - cbnascberri@gmail.com