Out of action

By Kelly Yates
NARRE Warren South netballers say they are in dire straights financially after a thief stole $1600 worth of the club’s membership fees last week.
Hillsmeade Netball Club president Samantha Anderson said the money was stolen from the home of one of the club’s committee members last Wednesday.
She said the money belonged to the junior players who are aged between seven and 14 years.
Leading Senior Constable Peter Carroll from the Narre Warren police station said the offender gained entry to the Narre Warren South house by forcing through a window.
Once inside, the thief stole electrical items like televisions, DVD players, a Nintendo DS and a portable DVD player.
According to Ms Anderson, some of the club’s paper work, which contained private details such as names, addresses and contact numbers, was also pinched.
Ms Anderson said the club was concerned they wouldn’t be able to gather enough funds to allow the girls to step onto the netball court for the first round, which kicks off on Saturday.
“We now have a big hole in our bank account. We’re not sure how we will get through the season without the money,” she said.
“It normally takes us a whole year to raise $1000 let alone $1600 which is what we need.”
Hillsmeade Netball Club, who practise at Straithard Primary School, currently has around 57 junior members, and two senior teams.
Ms Anderson said the recovery of the stolen cash was extremely unlikely.
“The home insurance does not cover the $1600 that belonged to the club. In fact their insurance policy covers only $300 in cash,” she said.
The club is calling on the community to help raise the much-needed money.
Police are calling for witnesses. Anyone with information is urged to call the Casey Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) burglary crew on 9705 3111.
Anyone wishing to donate to the Hillsmeade Netball Club can call Samantha Anderson on 0419 340 133.