The local sporting community came together to make sure the Riddell District Football Netball League junior grand final day still went ahead despite “selfish behaviour” leaving MacPherson Park with no power.
Melton Junior Football Netball Club president Graeme Dreaver arrived at 4.30am on Sunday, August 17 to find that a power pole had been damaged and the whole Macpherson Park complex left in the dark.
Star Weekly understands there was damage to a transformer along with attempted copper theft.
Dreaver said he thinks he may have interrupted those responsible for the damage. The Bloods were running the food and drink for the day.
“You don’t want it to happen on a day when you’re expecting 7000 people,” he said.
“We couldn’t run the main canteen and had to rely on cold food and drinks. The council got a generator to help us put a few pies on later.
“There were coffee vans that rely on power as well. We are all volunteers and giving our time and we find this.
“It’s just so disappointing.”
Dreaver said they had no power until 2.30pm.
He said they weren’t sure how it impacted the sales of food and drink, but expected it to be a couple of $1000.
RDFNL chief executive Jordan Doyle said it was disappointing for the league with 25 grand finals on the day.
“A lot of work goes into a day where over 6500 spectators embark on the one facility to watch junior community sport,” he said.
“Unfortunately, we had to get by until 2.30pm without either electronic scoreboard, no sirens and a very limited PA for each oval. We had spent thousands of dollars on a few items that weren’t able to be utilised properly given the lack of power”
Both Dreaver and Doyle were full of praise for the council, Powercor, the other party and the people in attendance for making the best out of the day.
Dreaver said they would use much of the leftover food at a Bunnings barbecue and club presentation day.
He said the league and other clubs had offered to help with ensuring the stock was used.
Star Weekly understands similar incidents have resulted in repair costs in excess of $200,000, with Melton council still assessing the damage.
Melton mayor Steve Abboushi was disappointed that the reserve was vandalised in that way.
“It is selfish behaviour that impacts our community and wastes resources that could be better used elsewhere.”
