CORA LYNN HISTORY
CORA LYNN - A RICH HISTORY FOR A CLUB WITH NO TOWN
The Cora Lynn Ladies Committee – The Backbone of the Club (1960s–1990s)
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If the football club survived its toughest decades, much of the credit belongs to the Cora Lynn Ladies Committee.
From the 1960s through to the 1990s, the Ladies Committee played a critical role in keeping the club financially viable. Year after year, they worked tirelessly to raise funds, ensuring bills were paid and the club remained afloat during periods when survival was far from guaranteed.
At the heart of the committee was Mary Dillon, who served as President for nearly 30 years. Under Mary’s leadership, the committee became a pillar of the club. At the end of each season, the Ladies Committee would proudly hand over a cheque to the football club — money that was often used simply to pay outstanding accounts and keep the doors open.
It was grassroots community commitment at its finest.
Life Membership – Something You Had to Earn
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Although the club was formed in 1926, Life Membership was not awarded lightly.
In fact, the first Life Members were only recognised approximately 60 years later. In those days, Life Membership required a minimum of 30 years of service — and that rule was taken seriously.
“They didn’t give them away back then — you had to earn it.”
It wasn’t until the late 1980s and early 1990s that the club formally awarded its first group of Life Members. A group of six or seven stalwarts were recognised in what was a significant and emotional milestone for the club.
That inaugural group is believed to have included:
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Rupert Matthews
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Mary Dillon
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Eddie Dillon
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George Richardson
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Phil Dillon
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Jim McDonald
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(Possibly one or two others)
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That moment represented more than personal recognition — it symbolised decades of sacrifice, volunteerism, and loyalty that had carried the club through lean years.
Mid-1970s – The University Students Era
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The mid to late 1970s marked a unique and colourful chapter in the club’s history.
The club played in Grand Finals in 1976 and 1978, narrowly losing to Korumburra Football Club (1976) and Drouin Football Club (1978). The 1978 decider featured a young Gary Ablett Sr., adding further significance to the occasion.
A key factor in those successful seasons was the influx of 15–20 university students who joined the club under coach Graham Ebert. It is believed the connection was made through Laurie Hitches through teachers college. Most of the group were teachers, and they brought both skill and spirit — known as much for their ability to “party hard” as for their football talent. Their presence created a vibrant culture and helped drive the club to consecutive Grand Finals. They fitted in well with our high end talent Michael Dillon, Van Dieman's Frank Duiker, Graham Ebert etc
Cora Lynn Corrobboree – A Community Spectacle
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Throughout this period, the annual Cora Lynn Corrobboree became a major fundraiser and social highlight.
Held at George Richardson’s spud sheds, the event regularly attracted thousands of attendees. The main entertainment was provided by The Bushwackers, and the Corrobboree became a cornerstone of the club’s financial stability and community connection before an incident that cancelled the fundraiser for ever
The Potato Growers’ Contribution – Financial Backbone of the Late 1970s
Ray Cullen ran this program - her and Peter Dillon both worked at the spud shed in Tynong (now the apple company)
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In the late 1970s, one of the club’s most significant income streams came from a remarkable arrangement with local potato growers.
Through Life Member Ray Cullen, the club secured a contract for 50 tonnes of potatoes annually. Local farmers including Charlie Scamp, Gerry Tymenson, the Adams family, and George Richardson contributed to fulfilling the quota. There were others ...Ray will know....
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This potato contract remained the club’s major source of income for over a decade and was instrumental in keeping the club viable during challenging financial periods.