On Thursday 12 March, Eltham Rugby Union Football Club opened its doors for an International Women’s Day celebration that will not be forgotten in a hurry.
The clubrooms were filled with players, families, volunteers, sponsors, and friends — all gathered to celebrate the women and girls who make our club what it is, and to look ahead to an exciting future for women’s rugby at Eltham.
This year’s IWD theme, Balance the Scales, could not have been more fitting. The message of the evening was clear: when women and girls are supported, included, and given the chance to find where they belong, everyone benefits. Not just the women and girls — the whole community.
Our Special Guests
We were honoured to welcome three remarkable women who gave so generously of their time and shared stories that inspired everyone in the room.
Melanie Kawa — Director of the Rugby Victoria Board and former Co-Captain of the Melbourne Rebels Super W — spoke with passion and warmth about her journey in rugby and her commitment to growing the women’s game in Victoria and beyond.
Alana Thomas — former Wallaroo, Rugby World Cup athlete, and former Head Coach of the Melbourne Rebels Super W — brought incredible insight into what it takes to build a high-performance women’s program, and what clubs like ours can do to nurture the next generation.
Vicki Ward — State MP and Member for Eltham — joined us to show her support for community sport and the important role clubs like ERUFC play in the fabric of our local community.
The theme that emerged across all three was support. The support of women for women. The support of those who have walked the path, reaching back to lift those who are just starting out. It was a powerful and moving message, and our community is better for having heard it.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
None of this would have been possible without the extraordinary generosity of our donors and sponsors, who contributed an incredible range of door prizes on the night. A heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you:
All Tone Fitness, Watsonia — 30 minute personal training session worth $50
Bolton Street Deli, Eltham — Gift pack
Bon Ap Petit Bistro, Fitzroy — $100 gift voucher
Creative Flowers, Eltham — Floral bouquet
Diamond Valley Trophy Centre — Rugby club key rings
Emulate Beauty, Eltham — 30 minute facial worth $85
Ferguson Plarre, Diamond Creek — $25 gift voucher
Got You Nails & Beauty, Diamond Creek — Manicure polish voucher worth $25
Kuzina Greek Restaurant, Eltham — $100 gift voucher
Lower Plenty Liquor & Hotel — $25 gift voucher
My Finance Brokers, Bundoora — $100 Hoyts gift voucher
Research Pharmacy — Natio gift pack
The Skin Fixer, Diamond Creek — $50 gift voucher
Two Sisters Fresh Produce, Research — $20 gift voucher and jam
Spa Wumurdaylin, Hamilton Island — Gift pack
And a very special thank you to Angela and Mal Southwood, and Sylvia Metcalfe and Tim Adams, for their generous personal contributions of wine on the night.
Your support of women and girls in our community means more than words can say. We encourage all our members and families to support these local businesses in return.
A Special Acknowledgement
Behind every great event is a great team. We want to extend a very special thank you to committee members Sylvia Metcalfe and Isabel Sprackman, who worked tirelessly to coordinate the prize donations and ensure the night ran smoothly. The sheer volume of prizes on the table was a testament to their hard work, their relationships in the community, and their dedication to making this night something special. Sylvia and Isabel — we see you, and we are so grateful.
What’s Next?
Tonight was more than a celebration. It was a statement of intent. ERUFC is committed to growing women’s and girls’ rugby — from our junior girls program led by the wonderful Nick Bursey, to our long-term ambition of establishing a senior women’s team at Eltham.
If you were in the room on Thursday night and felt inspired — we want to hear from you. Whether you have a skill to offer, know a girl who might love rugby, or simply want to be part of something that’s growing, there is a place for you here.
Get in touch at [email protected] or come and find us at training.
Here’s to many more nights like this one. 💛🖤
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