Another wonderful week of Fun, Friendship and Fraternity was had by all at the 12th Golden Oldies World Netball Festival in Perth, Australia. Teams ventured to Perth from New Zealand, South Africa, Vanuatu, Rarotonga, Barbados and of course Australia. In total we had almost 700 participants join us in this outstanding Festival week.

Sunday night saw the Welcome Party kick the week off in style with a 'Pirates of the Indian Ocean' themed party at the Royal Perth Yacht Club. Within minutes the dance floor was jumping with pirates enjoying the band while the sun set over Perth City behind them. View the Welcome Party photos here.

The Festival was officially opened at the Matthews Netball Centre with the typical Western Australian sun beating down. Pip O'Connell welcomed everyone to Perth and a stunning performance by a local Aboriginal group kept everyone entertained. Teams then paraded in fine form for the Parade of Nations before warming up for the first day of play. View the Opening Ceremony and Matthews Netball Centre photos here.

The mid-week picnic saw coaches transport teams out of the city to the Swan Valley for a day at Houghton Estate Vineyard. Teams were invited to sample magnificent wines before lying out on their picnic rugs to enjoy a picnic pack including kangaroo fillets, local cheeses, chocolates, salads and an ice-cream. While many enjoyed a wine or two under the trees listening to the band in the background, others perused though the stalls displaying local merchandise for sale. View the Picnic Day photos here.

While Thursday saw a day of leisure many participants headed off on optional tours, including the 'Great Fun Day Out' to Rottnest Island. Participants were given the option of including a 1 hour snapshot tour of the Island, or a days bike hire to take in the Island at their own leisure. A buffet lunch was enjoyed at the Quokka Arms Hotel before many headed to the shore to dip their toes in the water.

The week's festivities culminated in a Finale Dinner at the Perth Convention Centre. with a seated dinner. A live band kept the dance floor packed once again keeping in style with the 'Disco' theme. View the Finale Dinner photos here.

During the evening the Air New Zealand Awards Ceremony was held. The recipients of the 2007 Festival Awards were as follows:

• Best Uniform - SOS, New Zealand
• Friendship Award - Irish Ex-Pets, Australia
• Personality of the Festival - Nadle Mokhele, Johannesburg Old Girls, South Africa
• Strut Your Stuff - Fossils, Australia
• Special Merit - Ann Hayes, Pukekohe Longkeepers, New Zealand
• Spirit of the Festival - Supa Mums, Vanuatu

Congratulations to all of the award winners, and to all of our participants for a wonderful Festival!