A sea of purple will fill the sidelines this week, as the Wanderers host their annual Ladies Day, honouring the memory of much-loved local Claire Hogan.
Players will take to the field at No. 2 Sportsground in special commemorative jerseys on Saturday, 25 July, raising awareness for epilepsy.
The jerseys feature purple, the international colour of epilepsy awareness, and are sponsored by The Commonwealth Hotel, where Claire worked and became a familiar face to countless patrons.
For the Commy, supporting the initiative was an easy decision.
“It really reflects what we’re all about at the Commy,” Commonwealth Hotel licensee Thomas Hudson said.
“We’re a community pub, and we want to support as many worthwhile causes as we can, especially ones that are so close to home.
“Being able to honour Claire in this way is the least we could do.”
Claire passed away last year but remains deeply remembered by those who knew her.
“Claire was an incredible person, ” Hudson said
“She had the ability to make anybody’s day better.
“Her big smile and fun, positive personality made everyone feel welcome.
“She’s one of the main reasons the Commy still feels like such a welcoming place for everybody today.”
Claire also shared a close connection with the Wanderers, building friendships with players over many years through her work at the Blue Room and later at The Commonwealth Hotel.
“Claire had a really strong connection with the Wanderers,” Hudson said
“She looked after the players at the Blue Room and later at the Commy, and she built genuine relationships with so many of them.
“The fact they’re doing this in her honour shows just how important she was to them and how much they loved her.”
While Ladies Day will celebrate women involved in the club and the broader community, it will also shine a light on epilepsy awareness and encourage conversations around the condition that affects thousands of Australians.
For those closest to Claire, the ongoing support from the community is a testament to the lasting impact she had on people’s lives.
“It just shows how incredible Claire truly was and how much she meant to the community,” Hudson said.
“She played such a big part in so many people’s lives.
“I think it’s amazing that we’re continuing to find ways to celebrate her life, and I’d love to see that continue year after year.”
The Commonwealth Hotel hopes the initiative will also inspire other local businesses to support causes that matter within their own communities.
“It’s incredibly important for local businesses to get involved,” Hudson said.
“We have a unique opportunity to use our platforms to support important causes like this. As trusted members of the community, by raising awareness, giving back and encouraging people to get involved, we help build a stronger, more connected community.”
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