“We were motivated after our very successful 100-year celebration of the railway last year, and I thought that, with the footy club no longer being part of Wakool, it would be great to celebrate our history before everything is packed up or forgotten about,” said event organiser and former Wakool Football Club president Anne Hamilton.
“It's probably 100 years since they played their first game of football at Wakool, and it was called the Day Cup, which, we believe, was a surname of a property owner at the time.”
From their formative years in the Edward River League, Wakool later claimed their first seniors premiership flag, dressed in their purple and gold, in the 1976 Kerang and District Football League coached by Barry Burmeister.
They claimed a second premiership in 1978 under coach Pat Thompson, before a 1980 colour change to brown and gold and another flag win under coach Brad Walton.
Most of the 80s, the premiership flags proved elusive, but in true Wakool style they finished strong with a 1989 flag, backed up in 1990 under coach Warren (Benji) Maher.
The sweet taste of success eluded the seniors until 2006, with Greg Whelan’s guiding hand bringing home the top honours, before a final seniors premiership win in 2013 coached by Adam Pollack.
Despite a litany of challenges for the Wakool district, most at the hands of government policy, the town still flourishes through the dedication of volunteers and the passion to see the district prosper into the future.
“The weekend will be amazing; we have around 200 booked in for the dinner, live music, jumping castle, activities for the kids and a whole heap of memorabilia on display,” Hamilton said.
“For people in these communities they appreciate what a footy club or services club means to the town.
“The funds raised from the dinner and the bar proceeds will go to the club.”
Former Wakool players and coaches will be travelling from all over the country to be part of this historic occasion, with plenty of opportunity to purchase commemorative keepsakes or the new book marking the occasion.
“We've got all those coaches coming, and they'll all be guest speakers.
“We'll have a slideshow of all the photos, and we've got a bit of memorabilia like t-shirts and stubby holders and hats available, and our book will be back from the printer.
“Christine Dartnell has been a fantastic asset in helping in this project, and so many other things in town, like the soldiers settlers walk.”
On Saturday there will be a barbecue lunch at the footy oval from noon, and from 6.30pm will be ‘Tea On The Oval’ under the marquee.
Dinner is a strictly no BYO event and bookings are essential. Call or text 0409 332 236.
Camping is camping available.
On Sunday morning there will be egg and bacon rolls available for breakfast.
• Lloyd Polkinghorne is the general manager, editor and photographer at The Koondrook-Barham Bridge Newspaper.
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