Community & Business
20 April, 2024
Special event to mark milestone
A NOT-to-be missed weekend on the 18-19 May promises to be a highly memorable occasion, thanks to the unwavering dedication of the Millaa Millaa Senior Rugby League Volunteer History Group.
The commemorative event will consist of a book launch and Reunion Dinner Dance on the Saturday, with a special highlight being the Millaa Millaa Rugby League (MMRL) Centenary Celebration Game on the Sunday.
The volunteer group has worked in conjunction with local rugby league historian and author Martin Grandelis for the past two years, putting in an unbelievable amount of work to record the history of Millaa Millaa Rugby League by collecting stories contributed by players and supporters as well as photos spanning from 1924 to 1987.
The group said this would be an unforgettable event, giving recognition and highlighting the special significance of what the former rugby league team meant to the town and surrounding farming areas and to celebrate what would have been its centenary.
Also being celebrated is the launch of a book on the club’s history.
“A History of the Millaa Millaa Rugby League 1924-1987 and Recollections by Players and Supporters” traces the club’s turbulent and successful history.
Throughout the 1950s, Millaa’s “the Mountain Men” was the most successful senior club in the Eacham competition, winning eight premierships in nine seasons.
The memories and recollections of past players, officials, supporters and in many cases their descendants provided a further insight into the club’s achievements not documented in official reports.
Author Martin Grandelis has researched the history of the club from its participation in social matches in the early 1920s, with the Millaa Millaa junior and senior teams playing their first official matches against Tolga on Sunday 4 May 1924 at the Millaa Millaa Showground.
The club played their last Eacham League matches as the Millaa Millaa club in 1979 and then participated for the next seven seasons playing in the Innisfail Rugby League competition before combining with the Malanda Senior club to form Upper Tableland.
A book signing will take place at the Millaa Millaa Hotel on Saturday 18 May between 10am-1pm.
Henry Winters was the captain/coach when Millaa Millaa won its last premiership in 1977.
“As a player who came to the club in its last decade, I’m looking forward to reading Martin’s book and catching up with past players and supporters at the launch and the Dinner Dance,” Henry said.
“I would like to encourage all former players to support the Atherton Senior Roosters when they play Mareeba on the Sunday wearing our revered lime green with gold V jerseys.
“It will bring back many great memories. We really appreciate the efforts of the Atherton club to help us celebrate our 100 years.”
On Sunday 19 May, the 100-year celebrations will continue at Atherton's Mungalli Creek Dairy Stadium, with the Senior Roosters hosting 2024 premiership games against the Mareeba Gladiators. Former Millaa players will be acknowledged with a parade around the oval before the main game kick off.
To honour the occasion, the Roosters first grade side will play in jerseys featuring the green and gold colours and design of the former Millaa club. These jerseys will be auctioned directly after the game.
The Reunion Dinner Dance will be held on Saturday 18 May at the Millaa Millaa RSL Hall with doors to open at 6pm. It will offer a delectable two-course “Coast to Coast Golden roast” dinner being served at 7pm.
Music will be by “The Paronellas”. Strictly no tickets will be on sale at the door. Prepaid, limited tickets are still available at a cost of $60 per person. With bookings and payments closing on 21 April, get your ticket now. Contact 4096 6301.
