Sports Clubs in Dunolly: Embrace the Local Spirit
Dunolly, Victoria, is not only known for its picturesque landscapes and rich history but also for its vibrant sports culture. The town boasts a range of sports clubs and activities that cater to enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Here’s a snapshot of the local sports scene.
Dunolly Football Netball Club (DFNC)
DUNOLLY FOOTBALL CLUB
Dunolly & Bet Bet Shire Express July 15 1873 reported that “In many parts of” the Colony we find that athletes are paying attention to football as a game calculated to bring out the vigor and activity of youth, and a means of exhilarating the more robust frames of their fathers …This robust diversion will no doubt become yet more general, and before long we expect to hear football clubs being formed in all the surrounding townships, and occasional matches being played on each other’s grounds by the respective teams.”
The vigorous youth and robust fathers of Dunolly took the hint and formed a committee. The first match against an opposing club was played on October 8 against Maryborough. In the previous July four members of that first Dunolly team had played in a match at Bealiba. It was this match which prompted the Express to urge the formation of other clubs – a call which led directly to the foundation of the Dunolly Club.
Excerpt from Stan MacNamee’s book with Information and Photos obtained courtesy of John Tully and the Dunolly Museum.
The most successful period for the club was between 1956 and 1969 where the team played 10 grandfinals winning 6 out of the 10. Over the years, the club has produced quality players who went on to play at the elite AFL. These included Maurice and Doug Beasy, Tony Pollinelli and Wayne Deledio.
The Dunolly Football Club has since continued and celebrated its extraordinary 150th anniversary in August 2023.
OR Call 0400 611 655 E: dunollyfncsecretary@gmail.com
Dunolly Football Netball Club | PlayHQ
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Dunolly Football Netball Club (@dunolly_fnc) • Instagram photos and videos
Contact Details – Dunolly Football Netball Club – GameDay (mygameday.app)
DUNOLLY NETBALL CLUB
Activities: Multiple netball teams for various age groups.
Season: March to September
Dunolly entered Netball teams in the Maryborough Assoc. in A, B, and C Grades in the 1960’s and
won the A grade premiership in that first year.
Dunolly Netball Club left the Maryborough Association to join with the Football Club in 1981.
With the combining of the Football and Netball Club, the club became known as the Dunolly Football Netball Club (DNC) in the 1990’s with the Committee made up of both men and women.
The Club received new netball courts which were completed in May 2024. These new courts will be a great asset for Dunolly and surrounds for many years to come.
Activities: Multiple netball teams for various age groups.
Season: March to September.
To Join, or for more information, contact:
Melissa Freemantle Treasurer (Netball) E:melandbob82@iinet.net.au or call 0490 350 192
Jamie Townsend (Football Director) E:jamie.townsend@gmail.com or call 0413 203 272
May 2024
Laanecoorie-Dunolly Cricket Club
Dunolly first affiliated with the Maryborough and District Cricket Asso. In the 1904-05 season and alternated between this and the Dunolly Cricket Assoc. over many seasons. By 1948-49 season, Dunolly had settled in the Dunolly Cricket Assoc. and enjoyed an 11 year stint until the Assoc. disbanded at the end of the 1959-1960 season. (excerpt from the book 150 not out).
In 1974 the Laanecoorie and Dunolly Club merged and are now known as the Laanecoorie-Dunolly Cricket Club with all home matches played at Dunolly.150 years of cricket in Dunolly was celebrated with a reunion and dinner on 4th Feb. 2006.
The Club is a vibrant community hub in Dunolly, Victoria, dedicated to fostering a love for cricket among players of all ages. With competitive senior teams and active junior programs, the club promotes skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The cricket season runs from October to March. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, the Laanecoorie-Dunolly Cricket Club offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community and enjoy the great game of cricket.
L.D.C.C plays in the MDCA competition filling 4 teams: –
A Grade , A Reserve, Under 16’s and Under 13’s
Activities: Senior and junior cricket teams.
Season: October to March.
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Laanecoorie Dunolly Cricket Club | PlayHQ
Dunolly Bowls Club
The Dunolly Bowls Club offers a relaxed and social atmosphere for lawn bowls enthusiasts. With well-kept greens and a welcoming community, it’s an ideal place to enjoy a game of bowls, participate in local competitions, or simply socialize with fellow players.
Activities: Men’s and women’s lawn bowls.
Season: Year-round, with winter competitions.
Highlights: Community events and tournaments.
80 Barkly Street, Dunolly, VIC, Australia, Victoria
E: dunollybowlsclub@outlook.com
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Dunolly Bowling Club | Barefoot Bowls Dunolly | Function Room
Dunolly Bowls Club – LawnBowls.com
Dunolly Golf Club
Sand greens, bush setting with winding creeks. Not watered. Relaxed dress code. Course is set in major gold prospecting country. Visitors welcome. Bookings not necessary. Club House bar, toilets. BBQ on request.
18 Holes, Par 65, ACR 61, 4341m. Sand greens, bush setting with winding creeks. Not watered. Relaxed dress code. Course is set in major gold prospecting country. Visitors welcome. Bookings not necessary. Club House bar, toilets. BBQ on request. Green Fees: $5. Annual Membership $90. Annual tournament is held the 2nd weekend in July each year.
For group bookings or more information please contact.
Activities:
18-hole golf course
Social and competitive golf events
Membership: Open to new members and visitors
Events: Regular tournaments and club days
Dunolly Golf Club – Short Street, Dunolly VIC 3472 E:dunollygolfclub@gmail.com Ph: 0409 936 340
Dunolly Golf Club – Maryborough & Surrounds (bendigoregion.com.au)
Dunolly Golf Club
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Dunolly Golf Club, Victoria. Reciprocal Clubs – Murray Downs (murraydownsresort.com.au)
Dunolly Croquet Club
Thwack! The sound of the mallet hitting the ball reverberates across the Dunolly Golf Course as dedicated players battle it out for Croquet glory amidst a glorious natural landscape. It’s easy, it’s fun in very convivial company. What’s not to like?
Croquet is believed to have been first played by 13th Century French peasants who used crudely fashioned mallets to whack wooden balls through hoops made of willow branches. Not much has changed really, except that our mallets are a bit better made, the balls are colourful and the hoops are made of steel.
Croquet can be played by everyone. It attracts players of all ages, is mostly played in teams of two around a course of 13 hoops. (some courses are better than others, just quietly).
There are rules to the game of course and involves quite a bit of strategy. For instance, you might spend a lot of time stopping your opponent from running a hoop before you run it yourself!
So if you would like to have a go, Dunolly Croquet is played on Thursdays at the Dunolly Golf Course. Play starts at 9.30 am (weather permitting).
Dunolly Croquet is a Dunolly & District Neighbourhood Centre program.
Season: Year-round – check with the Neighbourhood Centre
Golden Triangle Archers
Traditional archery uses ‘longbows’ – much simpler to use, relying on upper body strength and natural shooting talent unlike ‘compound’ bows which have inbuilt sights and levering systems.
Dunolly Golden Triangle Archers successfully hold their annual Two Day Traditional Shoot in wintry August each year.
Archers meander their way through the shooting course with 24 different shooting targets for all ages. Many dress for the event in their own medieval costumes, showcasing archery through the years from the eras of Attila the Hun, Robin Hood and even Vikings with a spectacular range of longbows.
A family-friendly event, it attracts archery enthusiasts from all over Victoria and even interstate.
Season: Year-round.
Contact:
Tennis Courts in DUNOLLY, VIC – tennisvenues.com.au
The BEST Tennis Clubs in Dunolly VIC 3472 | Localsearch
Clubspark / Maryborough and District Tennis Association / Home
Dunolly Field & Game
Formed in 1976 by a group who were interested in shooting, fix drives, rabbit trapping, fishing and preservation for wildlife.
Field & Game combined with the Dunolly Gun Club and old clay target shoot at the Gun Club’s range and amalgamated in 9183 as the Dunolly & District Field and Game Branch Inc. The club offers membership and conducts monthly competitions, the last Sunday of every month at the range on the Dunolly-Eddington Rd.
All visitors (both shooters and non-shooters) are welcome.
For more information contact Nigel 0448 483 752 or Gordon 0428 890 908
Activities: Social and monthly competitions.
Season: Year-round.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063500923705&sk=about
https://www.fieldandgame.com.au/
Dunolly and District Field and Game Club Inc (loddon.vic.gov.au)
Other Sports and Activities
In addition to these clubs, Dunolly features various facilities that support recreational and community sports activities. From local parks with a kids playground, to fitness sessions for older residents in halls, a skate park for the young and young at heart, basketball and tennis courts as well as FREE access to exercise equipment – there are plenty of options for staying active and enjoying sports in our friendly town.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Dunolly’s sports clubs provide ample opportunities to get involved, stay fit, and enjoy the camaraderie of the community.
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