One of the keys to success in any organisation, including a football-netball club, is to have capable administrators to look after the off-field management of the club. Over the years, the Risstrom family has made a wonderful contribution to the ongoing success of Rushworth Football Netball Club.
During the 1930s, George Risstrom took over as President of the club, a position he held from 1934-1953 inclusive. With the five year recess for WW2, this still amounted to a staggering 15 years in the demanding job.
George was then succeeded by his son Ron, who filled the position for another 11 years, finishing his stint when the club moved into the Heathcote District Football League for the 1965 season. Ron’s son Ashley acted as Secretary for a number of years during the Rushworth Football Club’s affiliation with the HDFL, while son Wes played in two senior HDFL premiership teams in the 1960s, as well as serving on the committee.
In 1913, George Risstrom acquired the famous traction engine that is still a much loved part of Rushworth’s living heritage. The engine was used for all manner of agricultural and forestry contracting jobs. Then, from 1930, it mainly hauled ironbark timber out of the Rushworth forest for processing at the Risstrom’s Taylor Street sawmill.
As well as being the Rushworth Football Club president, George was active in GVFL circles, being junior vice-president in 1937, then senior vice-president from 1938-40 and 1946-61. He was recognised as a life member of the league in 1955. Ron Risstrom received the same honour in 1981.
In many ways, being an office-bearer in a football-netball club is a thankless task. The incumbents tend to get a lot of criticism, often from people who are not prepared to put their own hands up to take on the difficult jobs. What we need to recognise is that all those who are prepared to have a go are volunteers, and should therefore be encouraged rather than criticised. The club is bigger than any individual, and petty in-fighting can only destroy something that is dear to many of those who have had an association with it over the years. Everyone needs to be kicking/passing in the same direction for the club to be successful as a whole.
