Sadie’s top ticket

SADIE Hanley’s immense contribution to Wonthaggi Football Netball Club and one of its forerunners, Wonthaggi Blues, brought out the emotional side of current day Power coach Jarryd Blair on Saturday.

Tears welled in his eyes as he congratulated Sadie during a lunch in her honour at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve, with a large gathering in attendance to see Power president Peter Liddle present her with the club’s number one membership ticket.

“It’s really special to acknowledge your contribution to our football club and I love the passion,” Blair said after Sadie received her new honour.

He reflected on the fact footy clubs are about so much more than putting a team on the park, providing life lessons, teaching discipline and commitment and enabling people to develop important skills that contribute to their professional and family lives.

Clubs also provide a crucial social network that wouldn’t exist without the passion of volunteers such as Sadie.

She was named a Life Member in 1976 as was her late husband Noel ‘Chick’ Hanley.

The couple had seven children, with four sons representing Wonthaggi on the footy field.

Back in the days of Wonthaggi Blues, Noel and Sadie’s Hanley’s Dairy was a prime recruiting ground for the team, with any employee who could play football advised to pull on a Blues jumper and get into action.

Sadie and Noel’s grandkids represented Power in footy and netball.

Sadie is recognised for her contribution to catering, fundraising and the social side of the club.

Son Peter said both his parents got a buzz out of being in people’s company and loved helping community members in any way they could.

Bass Coast Shire CEO Ali Wastie was on hand to present Sadie with flowers, and spoke during the presentation in her honour.

“We are blessed that Sadie has chosen to call Wonthaggi and Bass Coast home for her entire life,” she said.

Sadie made it clear her efforts at the club brought rich reward.

“The social side was always very enjoyable,” she said, with that again on show at her special celebration.

While sporting club volunteers work for others and not with future honours in mind, Sadie summed up her efforts succinctly.
“I’ve contributed rather well,” she said.