Yacht Club Hockey Club marked its 75th anniversary with a diamond celebration that brought together generations of past and present players, families and supporters.
It made for a weekend of nostalgia, laughter and heartfelt tributes as the milestone event saw former members return to Geraldton to reconnect with old friends and teammates, share memories, and celebrate the club’s rich history.
The celebrations included reunion dinners, cake cutting, and children’s activities, while a stunning historical display showcased decades of club achievements, memorabilia and photographs.
For many, it was more than just an anniversary — it was a reminder of the strong bonds formed through the sport.
“The 75th anniversary was a wonderful way to celebrate the history of an incredible club,” Melanie Harding said.
“To me, I’m so proud to be a part of the story of Yacht Club and incredibly lucky to have made lifelong friends in the process.”
The sense of family was echoed by Sophie Aerts.
“The 75th celebration felt to me like I became part of a family. I felt included, loved and cared for, and it gave me more appreciation for such a beautiful club that has been making people feel the same way as me for many, many years — and more to come,” she said.
Life members and long-serving volunteers received special recognition. Long-time members Lynne and Gary Tapper were also singled out for their dedication.
“To have people like Lynne and Gary as part of your club . . . it is essential. They live, eat, sleep and breathe Yacht Club Hockey Club,” Dianne Hallinan said.
For Leonie Courtney, the reunion was a chance to reflect. “It was wonderful to catch up with old friends and teammates and relive our time together. The hard work put into collating and displaying the history of the club was wonderful,” she said.
With 75 years of history now behind them, the Yacht Club Hockey community looks forward to the next chapter — continuing to foster the same spirit of camaraderie, inclusion and passion for the game that has defined the club since its earliest days.
https://thewest.com.au/news/geraldton-guardian/geraldtons-yacht-club-hockey-club-celebrates-75th-anniversary-with-weekend-full-of-nostalgia-and-tributes-c-19667553
