Galloping Gully Polocrosse Club, located approximately 15 km north of Narrabri in the beautiful Narrabri Shire, is a sporting club that has been serving the community since its establishment in 1968. Celebrating its 50th Birthday carnival this year, the club is excited to welcome both current and past members for a fun-filled weekend of celebrations. The club offers full camping facilities, stables, and a fully catered camp kitchen to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
In its early years, Galloping Gully Polocrosse Club, affectionately known as 'The Gully', held its first practise day on the stock route on the Bingara Road, near Bobbiwaa Creek at an area called Galloping Flat. Despite the lack of amenities, the club's founding members, including Robert Guest, cooked lunch on a shovel over an open fire, setting the tone for the camaraderie and spirit that has defined the club throughout its existence.
From its humble beginnings, Galloping Gully Polocrosse Club has grown in both strength and size while maintaining its core values of having fun, training hard, and fostering a strong sense of sportsmanship. The 1970s marked significant milestones for the club, such as the hosting of its first carnival at Bellata in August 1970. With basic facilities and a dozen participating teams, the event set the foundation for future success. Additionally, the club introduced junior players in 1973, becoming the first club in the zone to compete in junior competitions.
As the club progressed into the 80s, it continued to make its mark in the polocrosse community. Members such as Lynne Tapp and Jo Hamilton garnered recognition for their skills, with Tapp winning the Best Lady Player award in 1981 and Hamilton earning Best Junior Player in 1982. The club also experienced notable achievements, including being runners-up in B Grade in 1982 and winning the highly coveted A Grade competition in 1987 after 19 years of trying.
Throughout the 90s, Galloping Gully Polocrosse Club continued to thrive and expand its reach. Jane Melbourne (nee Tapp) became the first member to be selected to represent New South Wales at The Sydney Royal Show in 1990. The club also hosted a large carnival in 1993, with almost 39 teams participating. Notably, this period saw the creation of the club's current logo in 1994, which has since become a symbol of Galloping Gully Polocrosse Club's identity and unity.
Galloping Gully Polocrosse Club is proud to have made its mark in the media, with its first article published in the glossy magazine, The Australian, in 1999. The club's influence and reputation have continued to grow, and it remains committed to providing a supportive and engaging environment for its members, fostering both personal growth and a love for polocrosse.
Whether you're a seasoned player or someone looking to experience the thrill of polocrosse, Galloping Gully Polocrosse Club welcomes you to join their vibrant and enthusiastic community. Contact the club through their website or visit their social media pages for more information and updates on events and membership opportunities.