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Western Park netball pavilion in Warragul to be named after local legend Liza Pharaoh

New netball pavilion in Warragul to be named after local legend, Liza Pharaoh.

By news@gippsland - 27th February 2023 - Back to News

The name Liza Pharaoh has long been a part of netball in Warragul. With a career spanning 20-plus years and 382 games, Liza was an inspiration to not only her teammates but the broader community; and now her name will be a permanent fixture at the Western Park netball courts where she spent so many hours throughout her playing and coaching career.

Friends, teammates and club representatives joined Liza's mum Carol at the newly constructed Western Park netball pavilion that will be named in Liza's honour

Honouring Liza Pharaoh

Liza's long and illustrious career included 12 best and fairest awards, and six runners up finishes. She was also a key part of two premierships with Gippsland Storm, the region's elite developmental netball club.

Liza's career was capped with her Warragul Industrials life membership in 2008, but her contributions did not stop there, with coaching and mentoring the next generation of netballers firmly in her sights.

In 2018 the netball club created the Liza Pharaoh Perpetual Trophy in her honour. It reads, "we are who we are because of your friendship, we are who we are because of your years of dedication, we fight the way we fight because of your courage."

Remarkable impact to everyone

Although very much a champion on the court, it was Liza's impact off the court that truly left its mark - including through the Pharaoh's Secret Angels, a charity set up by Liza that raises funds to support local cancer patients.

Liza's long-time friend and teammate, Kate Farrell, cherished her time spent with Liza, saying "we are all so proud of your achievements, you fitted so much into your time on earth, and the impact you have left on everyone is remarkable, but not surprising."

"Words will never be enough to express how much you meant to me. Our time together was too short, but I am forever grateful that you were in my life." Ms Farrell said. A highly respected netballer, friend and community member, Liza sadly passed away in May of 2021.

Notable women's names

Baw Baw Shire Council unanimously voted to name the recently constructed pavilion after Liza following a submission that was made by the club to council's Place Names Advisory Committee, which provides advice and recommendations on place-naming matters to council.

The naming proposal garnered huge amounts of support, both online and via written submission, and now endorsed will be celebrated as part of the official opening of the redeveloped netball facilities at Western Park.

After conducting a collaborative survey from Geographic Names Victoria and Gender Equity Victoria, council's Place Names Advisory Committee is eager to uncover notable women's names for future projects in the Shire to help address the disparity between male and female named features, such as parks, reserves, streets, and other public features. Community members wishing to make a naming suggestion can do so on council's Suggest a name for a public space in Baw Baw page.

The newly constructed netball pavilion and courts at Western Park, following a $1.6 million redevelopment by Baw Baw Shire Council

Inspire the next generation

Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe said, "As an organisation we are truly privileged to be able to name the new pavilion at Western Park, the Liza Pharaoh Pavilion."

"Liza was a standout both on and off the court and made a positive impact wherever she went. It was clear from the comments and feedback we received about the naming proposal that this was an easy decision."

"We hope that naming the pavilion after Liza honours the cherished memories that so many have of their time spent with her and helps to inspire the next generation of netballers to achieve great things." Mayor McCabe said.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  The first Cape Conran replacement cabin has finally been installed after six years, with calls to fast-track remaining bushfire recovery cabins.
• Applications open for 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program Supporting Local Skills Development until 13 February 2026
  Applications are open for the free 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program, helping locals build skills, connect with peers, and positively impact Bass Coast and South Gippsland communities. Apply by February 13.
• Committee for Gippsland welcomed Hon David Davis MP to meet local stakeholders and business leaders
  Danny O’Brien met residents across nine Gippsland South towns, discussing cost-of-living pressures, infrastructure, farming challenges, and local priorities, committing to ongoing advocacy and future mobile office visits.
• The Gurdies Winery offers scenic Bass Coast views, cool-climate wines and a welcoming cellar door for locals and visitors alike
  The Gurdies Winery on Bass Coast offers stunning Western Port Bay views, cool-climate wines, a welcoming cellar door, modern winemaking facilities, and a popular venue for events and community gatherings.
• East Gippsland Council seeks feedback to shape Stormwater Management Plan addressing local drainage, flooding and infrastructure challenges
  East Gippsland Shire Council is developing a Stormwater Management Plan and invites community feedback to identify flooding, drainage issues, and practical solutions, helping plan safer, more resilient local infrastructure.
• South Gippsland immunisation sessions extended with extra times to support community after Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure
  Following Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure, immunisation sessions have been extended, offering full-range vaccines for children, adults, pregnant women, and at-risk groups, with extra times available for community bookings.
• Melina Bath calls on the Allan government to support Traralgon families, participants and staff after Daily Living Disability Services closure
  The Nationals are urging the Allan government to provide immediate support for participants, families, and staff affected by the sudden closure of Daily Living Disability Services in Traralgon.
• East Gippsland Council opens impact grants applications to support local community and environmental projects
  East Gippsland Council’s Impact Grants program offers $3,001 - $20,000 to community groups for projects strengthening communities or supporting environmental sustainability, with applications closing 31 October 2025.
• Danny O’Brien warns Labor’s wasteful spending threatens local Neighbourhood Houses’ future
  Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien warns Labor’s mismanaged spending risks Neighbourhood Houses, urging $11.7 million funding to prevent closures, staff cuts, and protect vital community services supporting thousands weekly.
• Melina Bath urges Allan government to advance Nyora early childhood education centre, ensuring local families equitable kindergarten access
  The Nationals urge the Allan government to partner with the Nyora community, enabling a local early childhood education centre for equitable, convenient kindergarten access for rural families.
• Darren Chester prioritises national food and fibre security, supporting farmers, fisheries, forestry and local industry resilience through strategy
  New Shadow Minister Darren Chester will prioritise national food and fibre security, supporting farmers, fishers, forestry, and local communities through strategic investments, policy reforms, and protection of prime agricultural land.
• East Gippsland Field Days celebrate agriculture, community spirit, innovation and local food security importance
  The East Gippsland Field Days celebrate local agriculture, innovation, and community spirit, highlighting food and fibre production’s vital role while showcasing volunteer efforts and regional resilience for a sustainable future.
• East Gippsland Rail Trail upgraded and officially opened, boosting tourism, and local economy across the 96km trail
  The final 11.46 km of the East Gippsland Rail Trail is complete, fully resurfaced, and open, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and providing a high-quality recreational asset for the community.
• Yarram - Explore Heesco Town murals, vibrant street art, lush rainforests, coastal walks, local cuisine, and Gippsland heritage
  Yarram, a charming Gippsland town, features over 25 Heesco murals, lush rainforests, coastal walks, local seafood, wineries, heritage sites, and the Great Southern Rail Trail.
• East Gippsland Council launches VendorPanel for streamlined, transparent procurement and supports local businesses with information sessions
  From December 2025, East Gippsland Council will use VendorPanel for streamlined procurement, offering online registration, fair opportunities, and information sessions to help local businesses navigate the platform effectively.