June 2017

“LOOK, LISTEN, talk and seek,” instructed RAW’s Outreach Worker, John Clark, as he worked with young basketballers at the Midnight Basketball Lockout’s half time break on 28th April at the Deloraine Sports Complex. Whilst being a social event, it also focused on depression, anxiety and suicide and how to recognise and help someone exhibiting symptoms.

The evening was Deloraine Junior Basketball Club’s second partnership this year with Meander Valley Council and Health North. It provided 51 eleven to twenty year-olds with five hours of good fun, social interaction, lots of exercise and learning.

After a barbecue, teams of three to four played ball with generous variations to the rules. The dominant teams received handicap points, players and additional game rules to help level the playing field to ensure everyone’s enjoyment.

Teams not on the court scored and umpired with basketball club officals and parents.

The doors were locked when the roster began and there was no pass out until midnight. Yet still they wanted more games and have asked Council to organise more collaborative events this year. Clearly, fun sport events are a great way to pass on life learning tips to youths.

Next up, an Eleventh Hour Basketball Lockout for 6th graders to 20 year-olds will be on 21st July, with a 6.00 pm barbecue followed by a 3 on 3 Slamboree till 11.00 pm.

A 3 on 3 half court Slamboree and basketball skills session will be held on 20th July from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm for primary school students.

Watch school newsletters, Deloraine Junior Basketball Club Facebook page and Council Community News for more information closer to the dates. To register for these events call Deloraine Junior Basketball Club’s Ruth Saltmarsh on 0417 158 009 or Meander Valley Council’s Vicki Jordan on 0400 155 690.