In March, Geelong Sports Museum has welcomed two new legends as part of our exhibition program – Wayne Davies, Real Tennis World Champion and Noela Olsen, world-champion Australian netballer.
New film celebrates Geelong’s Real Tennis World Champion Wayne Davies
Geelong Sports Museum has released a brand‑new short film honouring one of Geelong’s most remarkable, yet little‑known sporting figures, Wayne Davies, world champion for seven years in the medieval sport of real tennis.
The film, now showing in the museum’s theatrette space, has been created by Torquay filmmaker and multidisciplinary creative Xavier Davies, Wayne’s nephew. Blending rare archival interview footage, an introduction to the centuries‑old sport, and a celebration of an extraordinary international career, the film gives audiences an intimate look at a Geelong athlete who went from local courts to competing and winning on the world stage, including a career based in New York.
Museum Manager Jessica Reid said the short film fills a gap in the region’s sporting history.
“Real tennis is a sport most people today know nothing about, so highlighting that a Geelong local held the title of world champion for seven years is an incredible story to share,” Ms Reid said. “Working with Xavier has been an absolute pleasure. He brings such a distinctive creative style, and he’s taken a unique sport and told its story with real endearment, authenticity and warmth. There’s a wonderful playful energy to the film that feels true both to Wayne and to the sport itself. Wayne’s achievements deserve recognition, and this film gives the community the chance to see just how remarkable his journey was.”
The museum emphasised the importance of community contributions in bringing stories like this to life. “One of the things we’re most proud of is how our community helps shape the collection,” Ms Reid said. “This film is a perfect example as it’s a locally made piece about a local legend, created with care, insight, and real family connection. We love working with our region to ensure the stories told here truly belong to the people of Geelong.”
The film is now screening at Geelong Sports Museum and will form part of the museum’s ongoing commitment to highlighting the region’s rich and diverse sporting heritage.
Australian netball champion Noela Olsen’s national blazer and 1971 world championship gold medal added to Geelong Sports Museum collection
Geelong Sports Museum is proud to announce the addition of Australian netball icon Noela Olsen’s national team blazer and 1971 World Championship gold medal to its Community Collection.
Noela Olsen (née Routley) is regarded as one of Australia’s most accomplished netballers. Celebrated for her defensive skill, anticipation and on-court leadership, Noela played a pivotal role during a golden era of international netball dominance for Australia.
Representing Australia at the highest level, Noela earned multiple national caps and served as vice-captain of the Australian team. Her international career reached its pinnacle in 1971, when she played a key leadership role in Australia’s Netball World Cup victory in Jamaica, a win that saw Australia reclaim the world title from New Zealand.
Noela was selected for the Australian team while teaching at Bell Park High School (now Western Heights Secondary College). She later spent many years teaching at Bellarine Secondary College, where she inspired generations of students.
In recognition of her outstanding contribution to the sport, Noela was inducted into the Netball Victoria Hall of Fame, named a Netball Victoria Legend of the Game, and shortlisted in the Netball Victoria Team of the Century.
