Ranges
5 Tuesday, 8 December, 2015
Pool party success
Trader
9
Legend calls time
A Mail News Group publication
Covering the Dandenongs in the Yarra Ranges & Cardinia Shires
22-23
Sports of all Sorts
Phone: 5957 3700 Trades and Classifieds: 1300 666 808
Homeless club help By PETER DOUGLAS HOMELESS sports and recreation clubs in the Dandenong Ranges are hoping to receive greater support in coming years, with the issue gaining greater political attention. Many clubs in the Hills are without a base, or have unsound tenant agreements, and are operating out of cars and home offices, despite having large participation rates. Monbulk MP, James Merlino, visited Upwey High School last week to speak with representatives and players from local junior basketball and volleyball clubs. He also met with the school’s principal, Tom Daly, to discuss the possibility of creating a sports hub at the school.
Mr Daly said the issue of homeless clubs was a known problem in the area, particularly among junior ranks. “Many of these clubs don’t have a base, their office is out of a car ... they’re literally driving around with basketballs in car boots,� he said. “Sometimes hosting tournaments is out of the question, too, because of the lack of facilities.� Mr Daly said a baseless club meant parents were often forced to travel great distances, so their children could participate in sport. “They travel to good facilities, but they are travelling here, there and everywhere,� he said. Mr Merlino and Mr Daly spoke about the possibility of further expanding existing sports facilities at the Up-
wey High School. “The original facilities were built in the 1980s, but it wasn’t complete, there is infrastructure in place for further expansion,� he said. “It won’t be a knock it down and start again job, it will be an expansion on existing facilities.� Many Hills clubs would love to follow in the steps of the Emerald Lakers junior basketball club. The previously homeless club, which boasts more than 200 players, now calls home a new stadium based at Emerald Primary School. The club and the school share the facility. Interestingly, that good news also highlighted the difficulties for other
organisations in finding a home. Kreationz dance studio principal, Kristen Morton, said the inclusion of the Lakers at the facility was at the expense of the group, as well as a local karate group, which were forced to relocate. Ms Morton said both had resided at the Emerald hall for many years. “Due to the funding agreement between the Federal Government, the school and the local basketball club, Kreationz Cheer and Dance and the Karate School have now been given second preference of the hall use,� she said. “To Kreationz this comes as a huge blow, as during our ownership we have been a tenant of the primary school for five years, running six days per week.�
Ms Morton said the club had relocated to the Emerald Mechanics Hall, but that agreement looked unstable. “The committee has been extremely accommodating to us, which we are very thankful for,� she said. “Despite this, we have now been informed that due to Cardinia Council renovations in mid-2016, we will once again be out of a home. “We are doing everything we can to find another venue within the Emerald area to accommodate the 150-plus students that call Kreationz home.� Ms Morton said the group was calling on the community to see if anyone was able to assist them find an alternative venue.
Boudica fast on the draw CHRISTMAS has arrived early for Sassafras Primary School student, Boudica, 8, who was recently announced as the winner of the ‘Draw your Christmas in the Hills’ competition. There was a huge response from students based in the Dandenong Ranges. For her efforts, Boudica’s entry has been printed on this year’s Christmas cards from Bell Real Estate in Olinda, which organised the competition. A prize of $500 went towards the school. Boudica is pictured with her winning card. 147873 Picture: ROB CAREW
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