THERE were some emotional scenes when Katunga Football Netball Club life member Rachael Howden invited two more women to join her as life members of the club.

Peta Russo and Kellie Salter were described as two very hard members of the club, dedicated and significant contributors to the club.

Peta has been senior vice president of the club, and on the netball committee for many years, which included two years as treasurer.

In 1997 Peta began assisting with the casserole tea rosters, but it was in 2010 when Peta took on the role of catering coordinator for the netball club, that the club saw her flare and devotion to the role really evolve, and Peta continues in this role to this day.

“Pete’s dedication to coordinating the canteen, Thursday night meals and any other event which requires catering, is exceptional,” Howden said.  

“Her commitment to this role has been further demonstrated by her choosing to take multiple seasons off playing to concentrate on ensuring the smooth running of the introduction of new concepts.  

“Since 2010, when Peta commenced doing the Thursday night sit down meals, even whilst playing, her commitment to these responsibilities, and the value that she places on this, both socially and financially, has meant she has missed out on training with her team on these nights.”

Peta has been responsible for the introduction of deep fryers and a coffee machine in the club canteen, and has since introduced salad bowls as a healthy meal alternative.

“Our canteen is well renowned around the league for its smooth operation and variety of options,” Howden said.

“Our Thursday night dinners are exemplary and the inclusion of kids’ meals, half serves, sweets and takeaway meals not only provide a fantastic community atmosphere within the club’ but make the nights a good revenue raiser.”

On weekly meal nights the club serves up an average of 75 kids’ meals and 100-130 adult meals.

Kellie has played 300 senior club games with the Swans, winning dual premierships and a runner-up best and fairest award.

“Kellie exemplifies the type of player every coach wants in their team, her encouragement and ability to listen and influence those around her is extraordinary,” Howden said.

Upon joining the Katunga Football Netball Club, Kellie immediately got involved with helping coordinate the casserole rosters for the netball club and being on the social committee.  

In 2001 she stepped up to the position of president, as well as taking on coaching of the juniors.  Since this time Kellie has taken on many coaching roles, including as assistant coach for the A grade side in 2014.

“Kellie’s passion for coaching is remarkable.  She wasn’t phased in the slightest with the large numbers in her 11 and under team this year and quickly set about establishing two teams within the team to assist coordinate fair rotations and roster system,” Howden said.

Kellie has always been involved in the netball committee, taking on such roles as publicity officer, grant coordinator, senior netball convenor, netball sponsorship coordinator and grounds committee representative, and since the amalgamation of the football and netball clubs, Kellie has continued to be involved with securing sponsorships for the club.

“In 2014 Kellie joined the amalgamated committee and took on the role of first aid coordinator, then in 2015 she stepped up to the position of senior vice president - netball, and was instrumental in securing an outside A grade coach for the first time.”

“Both of these dedicated ladies have been significant contributors to the club for 24 years, have had a substantial influence on the club and are absolutely deserving of this acknowledgement for their loyalty and devotion to our wonderful club,” Howden concluded