A quick snapshot of our community:

families with children make up 57% households;

42% population are born overseas;

level of housing stress higher than Victorian average;

more vulnerable to increase in cost living stress than similar areas of greater Melbourne;

35% of population get less physical activity than Vic;

25% classified as obese.

We work really hard to attract people to our family orientated Club, one that values and celebrates our diversity.

We provide opportunities for people aged 4 - 70+, male and female, all abilities, all ethnic groups, all genders, etc.

Our biggest challenge is being able to provide all of this at a rate that is affordable, a challenge we are losing at the moment.

Our parent bodies, Council and power suppliers have all increased costs and our sponsorship opportunities have been greatly diminished due to the difficult economic environment.

The biggest reason we are given as to why people are not playing or not renewing membership is that they are unable to afford it. This is becoming more and more the reason people in our community are no longer connecting with a sporting group, which is then resulting in increased health issues, both physically and mentally. I have always believed and witnessed that young people who are connected with a sporting club generally are more mentally healthy and stay out of trouble with the law.

We have one of the cheapest membership costs within the Hockey Victoria competition, but the members of our community still cannot afford the cost.

A senior membership is $ 570 pa plus about $130 for uniform. Juniors playing seniors membership $400 and juniors $250. We subsidise the juniors to a certain extent.