Basketball court stripped bare

By Emily Donohoe

Jun 24, 2024

The Rochester Basketball Association court being removed. Photos: Supplied

Members of the Rochester Basketball Association, local students and volunteers had to tear up their court on Friday, June 21.

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After receiving a notice to vacate from Rochester Presbyterian Church on May 27, the association had 28 days to clear the space.

Despite trying to get the church to reconsider, the Rochester Basketball Association committee said it received no response.

Rochester Basketball Association president Meagan Keating said she was grateful for the Rochy community members who had banded around the association since the news was shared.

“The Rochester Basketball Association has appreciated the community support,” she said.

“It’s just phenomenal how many people have actually reached out to us.

“We really appreciate that.”

Association members, volunteers from Lawford Engineering and Mundie Construction, and Year 9 students from Rochester Secondary College helped clear the space on Friday.

Volunteers remove the Rochester Basketball Association court. Photos: Supplied

For Leigh Mundie, helping out was an easy decision, especially as a committee member and parent.

“Doing the right thing, and moving onwards and upwards,” he said.

“We rallied up the troops. A fair few people came to the party, there was good community support.

“The high school were amazing, their kids were a great help.”

The three-on-three court had been in use by the group and wider community since it was donated by Basketball Victoria and Goalrilla Australia after the 2022 floods.

Ms Keating’s work to secure the donation and the site saw her nominated for the 2022 Victorian Sports Awards volunteer of the year award.

The committee is now looking for a new site to rebuild the court, which is in storage.

“A safe place is the main key for us,” Mr Mundie said.