Purple Day a reminder no family walks alone

HEATHCOTE Football Netball Club players will unveil their new purple jumpers this weekend for the annual Memorial Round – Purple Day.

Originally known as Georgia Day, member Klee Shields said the event is one of the most meaningful days on the club calendar.

“It began following the tragic loss of Georgia Edsall-French, daughter of local community members Kym and Terry French,” she said.

“In Georgia’s honour, the club introduced purple football jumpers and netball dresses as a tribute to her memory.

“Following Georgia’s passing, the club observed a day reflecting the deep impact her loss had on the entire community.

“Today it is a day where we remember not only Georgia, but all our players, volunteers, members, families and community members who have passed away, or those who have experienced the loss of someone close to them.

“It is an opportunity for our club and community to come together, share memories, support one another and celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us.”

The design of the new football jumpers was led by Shields and the committee, with the aim of preserving the tradition of Purple Day while creating a fresh design honouring the significance of the occasion.

A grant through the Heathcote and District and Nagambie Community Bank provided funding for the new jumpers.

“Committee member Sian Virgona researched funding opportunities and dedicated countless hours to preparing and managing a successful grant application,” said Shields.

“We are incredibly grateful to Charleen, Ebony and the Bendigo Bank board for recognising the importance of Purple Memorial Day and supporting community sport.

“Without their generous funding, purchasing replacement football jumpers and additional netball dresses simply would not have been possible.”

Shields said the club is inviting everyone in the community to wear purple on Saturday and join them in remembering those lost.

“Purple Memorial Day is much more than a football and netball round,” she said. “It is about connection, reflection and community. Country sporting clubs are often at the heart of their communities, and this day reminds us that while we compete on the court and field, we also stand beside one another through life’s toughest moments.

“On a personal note, my heart goes out to the Edsall-French family.

“As a mother who has experienced the unimaginable loss of a child myself, I have a deep appreciation for the heartbreak, grief and strength it takes to keep moving forward.

“It is not only the loss itself, but the challenge of supporting your other children through their own grief while carrying your own. Purple Memorial Day is a beautiful reminder that no family walks that journey alone, and that our community continues to stand beside those who are grieving.”

Saturday will be a home game for the club at Pigeon Park, Barrack Reserve. Netball begins at 8.45am and football at 9am.