It’s almost two months since Sunshine resident and Netball Victoria Hall of Fame member Myrtle Bayliss died, aged 94, and her son, Doug, says while she’s missed, she reaped the benefits of a full and good life.
Myrtle is remembered as a trailblazer for women’s sports in Australia and was the first athlete to represent her country in two sports – netball and cricket.
Her life was dedicated and driven by her love of sports, representing Australia in 10 international netball matches and playing cricket in six Tests between 1948 and 1951.
Doug, her only child, says his mother’s can-do attitude, even in the face of life’s adversities, was one of her legacies. It’s a legacy that has had a profound impact on him.
“She lost her husband when she was young but still had to raise me,” he said. “She enjoyed and embraced life.
“It didn’t matter what it was, she always had a go at it, and was very successful.”
Doug says his mother’s passion for sport came from her father, Western Bulldogs Hall of Fame legend John Frederick (Johnny) Craddock.
Netball Australia president Noeleen Dix told organisation members that Myrtle’s dedication to and engagement with netball, even after her retirement from the sport, was outstanding.
“Everyone who was there [the Hall of Fame induction] was impressed and admired Myrtle for what she’d achieved in her life,” she said.
Doug says his mother’s life was marked by success and a willingness to help those in need.
“A good friend of mine said if you wanted to emulate anyone’s life, you can’t get better than your mum’s.”
