Poowong: a town united by basketball
They say home is where the heart is.
In the case of Poowong, the heart is the beloved basketball stadium - home of the Panthers.
There are few things more important to the country than a hub. A uniting force that brings everyone together. For Poowong, sport is the lifeblood of the community and everyone looks forward to match day.
It’s hard to tell the story of a country association without talking to those who make it tick – the heartbeat behind the heart itself.
Poowong Basketball Association vice president Melissa McNally explains just why the basketball stadium is so important to the community.
“Poowong doesn’t get handed anything - we have to work hard for it being a little country town,” McNally said.
“I think that’s why it’s so successful; we appreciate it because we have worked so hard to get it.”
The basketball stadium has been the lifeblood of the Poowong community since it opened in 1975 and over four decades later it is still revered in the town.
“We’re so lucky to have it - the community worked very hard to get it - they had to pick spuds and run concerts to make it happen,” McNally said, who has been involved in the Association since its inception.
Every kid who steps on the hardwood isn’t just learning about basketball, but gaining life skills too.
“I think the beauty of Poowong is that we have all these facilities here for the kids,” McNally said.
“If we can keep the kids occupied, keep them off the street – and by having so many parents involved – it shows the kids that people care.
“It keeps them on the straight and narrow.”
And for those kids who still want to be involved, but not in a playing capacity, there are opportunities for them too.
“We’re an all-inclusive club - for the kids that aren’t real sporty, there’s always the opportunity to umpire or be on the score bench, so they’re still meeting other people doing that,” McNally said.
Poowong president Glen Kelly puts it simply – “It just works – the whole community gets involved.”
For a small country town to currently have roughly 250 registered players is a credit to those who consistently put in hours of hard work to keep the association going.
“There are a lot of people who do lots of things - it’s good we can spread the load.” McNally said.
PBA life member and original committee member Wilma MacKay, who only recently retired from her role, along with Lorraine Connell have been key to the constant stability of the association.
Chances are anyone who has set foot in the Poowong Basketball Stadium has been met by a smiling Faye Hay too. Hay has been part of the stadium management for the best part of 33 years and is one of those community members that makes Poowong what it is.
Whether it is working the canteen, cheering on from the sidelines or ensuring the stadium is in the best shape possible, Hay can always be relied upon to lend a helping hand.
Stacey Prowd, mother of 14-yearold Nicholas who plays at Poowong, highlights the positive effect those within the association have had on her son.
“Nicholas probably wouldn’t be where he is if it wasn’t for Poowong,” Prowd said.
“The people that have coached him have just looked after him – they’ve been really, really good.”
Nicholas has played at Poowong since he was six, and now also plays for Korumburra in the Melb Utd. VJBL.
Playing centre most of the time, Nicholas admits he doesn’t mind handling the ball sometimes himself.
“I play centre, but sometimes I like to take it down the court myself,” Nicholas said.
The Prowd family, who live 25 minutes away in Lang Lang, chose Poowong over nearby, larger associations because of the people and friendly atmosphere.
“There are so many people in the small town that make it what it is - I don’t think there’d be too many people in Poowong not involved.
“It’s just a good atmosphere,” Prowd said.
There are countless success stories throughout the proud history of the Poowong Basketball Association, but one in particular stands out in the eyes of McNally.
The story of Ronnie Layton is famous in the area. His courage and determination were always on show and when he represented Victoria at the Ivor Burge Championships.
The Poowong community couldn’t be prouder. Sadly Ronnie passed away in 2013, but his memory lives on and always will.
“Ronnie Layton, who tragically passed away three years ago in a road accident, was an all-abilities player that made state,” McNally said.
“He was in the Ivor Burge team, and he always came out here and loved his basketball.”
Another example of community spirit shining through in Poowong is told by McNally.
“We wanted to get a logo on the court when we got it resurfaced a couple of years ago, and it was going to cost us thousands of dollars and we just couldn’t afford it,” McNally continued.
“A local artist, Wendy Tilling, came down and hand painted it for us…. we’re just really lucky to have people like that around here.”
Poowong, and other small country towns like it, show what basketball is all about.
Bringing people together and providing the players with opportunity aplenty to forge friendships and make memories to last a lifetime.
For the people of Poowong the basketball stadium is a testament of hard work, community spirit and a love for the game.
“Everything Poowong has ever had, whether it’s the swimming pool, the tennis courts, the footy club, netball club - anything that has been successful in Poowong all the community has worked for.” McNally continued.
“We’ve all had to either put our hands in own pockets or put blood, sweat and tears into getting it.
“Once we get it, we treasure it.”