Last Saturday saw our first fixture at Rangakarra for 2022. It was our first home Hockey game, and the Hockey players acknowledged the late Daphne Pirie (Welch, 1949) AO MBE, a Grammar Woman who sadly passed away in April. Mrs Pirie made an exceptional contribution to sport at BGGS, and more broadly women’s sport in Queensland, Australia, and throughout the Oceania Olympic region. On Saturday, all teams played on the oval named in Mrs Pirie’s honour. Between rounds, our teams joined together for a spirited School war cry.
It was a beautiful celebration of a remarkable life, and a wonderful way to return to Rangakarra after a five-month absence due to damage sustained in February’s flood event. After 782 mm of rain fell at Fig Tree Pocket within a four-day period, the fields were impacted by both overland flow and the rising of Cubberla Creek. Significant infrastructure damage occurred, including contamination of the fields and damage to equipment, storage sheds, fencing, and lighting infrastructure. Works to remedy this damage were hampered by the 49 further days of rain in March, April, and May, and by supply issues resulting in long waits for delivery and installation of parts.
While the fields were safe to access from late May, the drainage problems and waterlogged fields meant playing surfaces were not suitable for use. We are so grateful that the recent drier weather has enabled the girls to return to the home of BGGS Sport, and we look forward to many more happy days of friendly competition over the rest of the year.
Ms Sophie Mynott
Deputy Principal (Co-curriculum)
