ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC
NETBALL
By ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC GIPPSLAND’S master netballers have struck gold. Some of Gippsland’s most experienced veterans flew up to Adelaide last week to compete in the 2023 Australian Masters Games. The Moe and District Netball Association’s senior teams took part in the over-65-year-old traditional netball event and the over-60-year-old walking netball event. The experienced crew took out the entire competition across six days, winning the 65-and-over division, with a Gold medal to show for it. The team placed third in the over-60 walking division, really showcasing the talent pool that has always come from the Gippsland region. More local talent was on display at the Australian Masters Games as Regional Netball Manager at Netball Victoria, Judi Buhagiar and two other Gippsland locals in Linda Welsh and Faye Surace competed for Frankston’s Masters team in the over 60’s traditional netball competition. The three Gippsland stars went undefeated in nine, 40 minute games across six days to win the event. With two of the women gearing up to umpire as well, the Games were a fun, competitive yet gruelling experience on the body for the senior netballers. Created by the Confederation of Australian Sport in 1987, the Australian Masters Games is a week-long festival of sport that brings together weekend warriors from around Australia, and the world, to enjoy an extensive sport and social program in an exciting holiday destination. The Games is one of Australia’s largest premier multi-sport festivals with an extensive sport program offering more than 50 different sports. The 19th Edition of the Australian Masters Games was held in Adelaide from October 7 to 14.
