Community, connection, collaboration and local pride sums up what the MRM Wombats are all about in the Macedon Ranges, with the enterprising new Masters Football Club preparing for a tough match against Bendigo to open the season on Saturday, March 28.
The MRM Wombats came about when the Woodend Masters and Kyneton Masters officially merged at their annual meeting last year.
This has enabled two strong community-minded groups to come together under one banner, strengthening social connection, participation and well-being across the region.
Right now, the Wombats have about 40 members on their list and will field one team — with players aged from 35 years upwards — this coming season.
Matches are scheduled for each fortnight, with 10 rounds to play, but the Wombats are much more than about playing football.
While the majority of members are from the Kyneton–Woodend area, the club is happy to welcome new members from right across the Macedon Ranges.
President is Julian Summers, of Woodend, with Kyneton’s Joshua Cross vice-president. Andrew Taylor (Woodend) is secretary, and Andrew Dodds communications officer.
MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH
A major focus of the new club is its commitment to men’s mental health.
“Masters football naturally creates space for connection, physical activity, mateship and routine — all protective factors that men in our age bracket benefit from.
“We are striving to be a club where everyone feels supported, welcomed, and valued, both on and off the field,” Summers said.
In addition to the mental-health mission, the club’s been working hard to build meaningful ties within the broader community.
WILDLIFE NETWORK LINK
One initiative the club is incredibly proud of is its growing partnership with the Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network.
As ‘Wombats’, the club members see themselves as part of the local ecosystem, and contribute to community wellbeing not only through sport, but also through environmental awareness and stewardship.
“It’s the beginning of what we hope will be a long-term connection that benefits people, wildlife and place,” the president added.
Like many community clubs, the Wombats have had to be adaptable with facilities.
With competing pressures around ground allocation in the Macedon Ranges, the Tylden Recreation Reserve has become the club’s unofficial ‘burrow’ during the pre-season.
The Wombats are incredibly grateful for this temporary home and for the support of the Tylden community.
As the season progresses, the club looks forward to returning to both the Kyneton Showgrounds and Gilbert Gordon Reserve, thereby maintaining its roots in the two towns.
“The Wombats are keen to hear from more prospective members. The welcome mat is out.”
