Beaumaris Football Club to honour Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones

A suburban football club has made special commemorative medals in honour of Melbourne teenagers Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones who died while on holiday last year.

Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles died of Methanol poisioning in Laos. Picture: 60 Minutes

A football club in Melbourne’s south will this weekend honour the Melbourne teenagers who lost their lives to methanol poisoning in Laos in November

Beaumaris Football Club will host its inaugural Shining Bright event for its former players Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones.

The close friends were popular members of the Sharks community having come through the club’s junior ranks and winning an under-18 premiership together in 2023.

The families will come together when the Sharks senior women’s teams welcome Fitzroy to (Ground).

Sharks players will be wearing a special commemorative jumper which will feature the girls’ numbers, 32 and 33, along with pink seams, replacing the usual gold.

Post-game, the first Shining Bright medal winners will be awarded to the players who “best exemplify the spirit of Holly and Bianca” according to Beaumaris president Nick Heath.

“The legacy Bianca and Holly has left is probably more than most of us will ever leave,” Heath said.

“We’re incredibly grateful to be able to support the Bowles and Jones families with this initiative, they have been remarkable. Holly and Bianca achieved great things during their time with us and their impact will never be forgotten.

“This is more than just a club event, it’s something we’re wanting the community to get behind.”

On the field, the Sharks have reached new heights after recently being promoted to the VAFA’s Premier grade — the top tier — for the first time.

“We couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve been able to achieve,” Heath said.

“The way they’ve come together in the face of tragedy is inspiring.”

The families are still seeking answers over the deaths of the girls with mums, Michelle Jones and Sam Bowles, appearing on 60 Minutes last Sunday.

They slammed the proposed charges over the incident which claimed the lives of six tourists with Laotian authorities reportedly preparing charges including elimination of evidence, violation of food and health security and unlawful business operation for up to 13 people.

“We know that there’s no murder or manslaughter charges, which we feel there should be,” Sam said.

On Sunday, Beaumaris will host the The Shining Bright for Holly and Bianca Luncheon at Sandringham Yacht Club with more than 400 people set to be in attendance at the sold out event.

All proceeds from the weekend will be donated to the Sport 4 All and Pets of the Homeless programs, charities which were supported by Bianca and Holly.

An online auction is also being held with bids closing in at $18,000 at the time of writing. Items include signed AFL jumpers from all 18 clubs.

Full details can be found online.